



3 




Book , A ^ & 



CflEflUGHT DEPOSIT. 



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THE NIETZSCHE-WAGNER 
CORRESPONDENCE 



This edition is limited to 1500 num- 
bered copies of which this volume is 
No 



THE NIETZSCHE-WAGNER 
CORRESPONDENCE 



EDITED BY 

ELIZABETH FOERSTER-NIETZSCHE 

TRANSLATED BY 
CAROLINE V. KERR 

INTRODUCTION BY 
H. L. MENCKEN 



BONI and LIVERIGHT 

PUBLISHERS NEW YORK 



^ 
'">* 



NIETZSCHE-WAGNER CORRESPONDENCE 



Copyright, 1921, By 

BoNI & LlVERIGHT, INC. 



Printed in the United States of Amenca 

DEC 16 1921 
aC!.A630821 



': 



3 



CONTENTS 

~ CHAPTER PAGE 

I. First Meeting 1 

II. First Visit to Tribschen (Spring of 1869) . 10 

III. The Summer of 1869 16 

IV. Late Autumn of 1869 24 

V. Experiences During the Winter of 1870 . . SO 

VI. Wagner's Birthday ( April- June, 1870) . . 46 

VII. War's Alarms and Quiet Family Festivities 58 

VIII. Various Journeyings (1871) 76 

IX. Cares and Joys (1871) 82 

X. The Birth of Tragedy Out of the Spirit of 

Music (1872) 93 

XI. Difficult Decisions . . . . . . . . 105 

XII. The Laying of the Cornerstone . . . . 115 

XIII. Circular Letter from Richard Wagner to 
Friedrich Nietzsche, Professor in Ordinary 
of Classical Philology at the University 

of Basle 125 

XIV. Conflicts 134 

XV. Misunderstandings (1873) 152 

XVI. Renewed Discords (1873) .'..... 167 
XVII. Nietzsche's Appeal to the German Nation 

(1873) 180 

XVIII. Critical Period (1874) 196 

XIX. Second "Thoughts Out of Season" (1874) . 205 

vii 



viii CONTENTS 

CHAPTER PAGE 

XX. "Schopenhauer as Educator" 215 

XXI. Winter in Bayreuth (1875) 240 

XXII. "Richard Wagner in Bayreuth" (1876) . . 257 

XXIII. The Bayreuth Festival (1876) 268 

XXIV. End of the Friendship (1876-1878) ... 285 



FOREWORD 

Richard Strauss once said, so I am told, that he consid- 
ered the years in which the friendship between Richard 
Wagner and Friedrich Nietzsche was at its zenith, one of 
the most impressive and significant cultural moments of the 
nineteenth century. Many others must have thought the 
same, as I have frequently been asked to assemble all the 
available documents bearing upon this relationship, and 
thus present more clearly the ties uniting my brother to 
Richard Wagner, and all the nuances of this friendship — 
that was impossible in my hitherto published accounts of my 
brother's life, in which emphasis was laid upon other im- 
portant matters. 

A few weeks prior to his mental collapse in 1888, my 
brother himself wrote: "Here where I am speaking of the 
vivifying influences of my life, a word is necessary to express 
my gratitude for that which above all other things, refreshed 
me most profoundly and most genuinely. This was, un- 
questionably my intercourse with Richard Wagner. All 
the rest of my human relationships I treat quite lightly, but 
at no price would I be willing to blot from my life the 
Tribschen days — those days of mutual confidence, of cheer- 
fulness, of sublime flashes*— the deep moments. . . ." 

It seems to me, therefore, that there could be no more 
appropriate anniversary offering for the seventieth birthday 
of my beloved brother than a detailed account of his relations 

ix 



Foreword 

to Wagner, at the time of their closest friendship, written 
in the spirit and from the viewpoint of those years. 

I have collected all the material best suited to this pur- 
pose; among this are my brother's letters to Wagner, here 
published for the first time, as well as hitherto unpublished 
Wagner letters. This book contains much that is entirely 
new — in fact, everything that could contribute to a true 
estimate of this friendship, as far as such material is still 
extant, and was made accessible to me. I must mention here 
the regrettable fact that a large number of my brother's 
letters to Wagner were destroyed in Bayreuth about five 
years ago from some reason utterly inexplicable to me. 
Without exception, they expressed only the deepest rever- 
ence and respect for Wagner and Frau Cosima, and as it 
was my privilege to read many of them before they were 
sent off, I can testify that among them were cultural docu- 
ments of the highest significance. These are said to have 
been the very ones destroyed, and only a few letters showing 
my brother's innate modesty and courtesy were placed at 
my disposal. It has been possible, however, to reproduce 
the larger part of the missing correspondence from the rough 
drafts found in my brother's note-books. 

This little book closes with the cessation of the corre- 
spondence between Wagner and my brother. All later ob- 
servations and sentiments, written after the break in their 
friendship, must be looked for in other places. In this birth- 
day book I wish to set in vibration only the tenderest chords 
of the closest friendship, which even though they be written 
in a melancholy minor, at least reveal no harsh dissonances 
on either side. Elizabeth Foerster-Nietzsche. 

Weimar, October 15, 1914. 



INTRODUCTION 

The Nietzsche- Wagner quarrel, for long the subject of 
vague rumors and dark whispers, is made so clear by this 
correspondence that little remains to be said about it. The 
underlying cause of it was simple and unescapable : Nietzsche 
grew so vastly during the years that the two men were 
together that it was quite impossible for him to go on as a 
mere satellite, even of a Wagner. It is to the credit of Wag- 
ner's discernment that he saw almost instantly the great 
ability of the younger man ; it is to the shame thereof that 
his valuation of it stopped far short of the realitj 7 . What 
he beheld before him was a young professor of extraordinary 
parts, eagerly responsive to his revolutionary (and often 
anything but transparent) ideas, full of a chivalric but fero- 
cious bellicosity, and extremely effective as a propagandist. 
What he actually had in front of him was a European figure 
of the first calibre — perhaps the most salient and original 
personality seen in the groves of learning since Goethe. It 
is always hard for an old man to fathom the true importance 
of a young one. He is blinded by the conventional superi- 
ority that goes with his mere age; he is losing his old re- 
silience to ideas ; perhaps he is also a bit jealous, as a fading 
charmer is of a flapper. In Wagner all these impediments 
to understanding Nietzsche were helped by his personal weak- 
nesses : his theatrical egomania, almost suggesting that of 

xi 



Introduction 

an actor ; his lack of the hard training necessary to a com- 
prehension of Nietzsche's veriest fundamentals ; above all, 
his jumpy dread of rivals, challengers, enemies. The thing 
he needed, in those early Tribschen days, was not advice but 
enthusiasm ; among all his supporters he searched uneasily 
for the predestined fanatic. This fanatic seemed to appear 
in Nietzsche. He was converted absolutely ; he put away 
all doubts and whereases as almost unmanly ; he was willing 
to sacrifice everything, including even his own career as a 
philogist, to the cause. But in the end, as we all know, it was 
not Wagner who reaped the rewards of that sacrifice : it was 
Nietzsche himself, and the world of ideas. Wagner asked 
for too much, and got, in the end, nothing. He had seduced 
the young professor from the straight and narrow path, 
but he was quite unable to follow the fugitive into the high 
mountain ways that presently invited him. Wagner's limi- 
tations were no less marked than his abilities. I believe that 
his music dramas are, by long odds, the most stupendous 
works of art ever contrived by man — that it took more down- 
right genius to imagine them and fashion them than it took 
to build the Parthenon, or to write "Faust" or "Hamlet," 
or to paint the Sistine frescoes, or even to write the Ninth 
Symphony. But whoever enters the opera-house gets a smell 
of patchouli into his hair, and a dab of grease-paint on his 
nose. He may remain a genius, but he is a genius who is also 
a bit of a mountebank — a genius who thinks of his audience 
as well as of his work, and is not forgetful of box-office state- 
ments. Actors make bad philosophers — and a man who 
writes operas, however gorgeous, becomes thereby partly an 
actor. 

xii 



Introduction 

It is astonishing that Nietzsche did not notice the mounte- 
bankish touch in Wagner from the start ; certainly it was 
obvious enough to most of the other Wagnerians of the time, 
including even King Ludwig. Frau Forster-Nietzsche hints 
that he actually discerned it, but put away all thought of it 
for the good of the cause. But it is much more likely that 
the colossal gaudiness of Wagner simply blinded him — that 
he was completely bowled over by the man's terrific splendors 
as an artist. To a young German of Nietzsche's traditions 
and education, music is quite as important a matter as base- 
ball is to a young American, and he knows it just as thor- 
oughly. Thus he brought to his study of Wagner's music, 
not only a ready response to its overwhelming sensuousness, 
its profound beauty as mere sound, but also an intelligent 
comprehension of the technical difficulties that had been sur- 
mounted in the making of it — in brief, an educated delight. 
This delight, in the first days, simply bewitched him; he 
could see only the magician, and quite forgot the man. But 
it was not long before that man began to intrude in a very 
disconcerting way, and so, bit by bit, Nietzsche became res- 
tive, and in the end he rose in open revolt. I believe that it is 
quite probable, as Frau Forster-Nietzsche says, that it was 
Wagner's snuffling gabble about Christianity that finished 
him. Put the thing on the best ground possible: say that 
Wagner was genuinely self -deluded, that his going to mass 
was honest, that the romantic mystery of the faith had at 
last found a weak spot in his armor and penetrated to his 
heart. In any case, the apostasy was incomprehensible to 
Nietzsche. He could no more imagine an intelligent man 

xiii 



Introduction 

succumbing to all that ancient rubbish than he could imagine 
an honest man subscribing to it for worldly gain. The con- 
vert was as abhorrent to his tight and uncompromising mind 
as the hypocrite. In Wagner, I daresay, he saw parts of 
both. The one outraged him and the other disgusted him. 
After those walks at Sorrento there was nothing for him to 
do save make his bow, click his heels together, and say 
good-bye. 

Wagner's failure to apprehend the full significance of 
Nietzsche is equally easy to understand. As I have said, his 
mere age was an impediment, and his great fame was an- 
other. Though his largest triumphs were still ahead of him, 
he was already a European, and even a world figure — and 
such a man is seldom able to detach himself from his own 
eminence sufficiently to see clearly the eminence of another, 
particularly of another who is young and still obscure. It 
flattered him to have a university professor, however young, 
enlisted for his cause and faithfully attached to his person, 
but he lacked the special information, and, above all, the 
attitude of mind, necessary to comprehend that this pro- 
fessor was one of a decidedly unusual sort — that his rebellion 
against orthodox classical philology was but the first dawn 
of a rebellion enormously more daring and important. Both 
Wagner and Cosima could understand "The Birth of Trag- 
edy" well enough, for if some of its Greek history was diffi- 
cult, there was an abundant clarity in the somewhat lyrical 
arguments for the Wagner music-drama. They could un- 
derstand, too, the polemical pamphlets that followed, for 
they were, at bottom, nothing save overblown newspaper edi- 

xiv 



Introduction 

torials — articles such as any contumacious young professor 
might send to a learned review. But "The Dawn of Day" 
was something new and strange to them, for it was, in fact, 
something quite new under the sun. They could no more 
grasp it than any other opera-composer and his wife could 
have grasped it. It seemed to them to be chaotic, obscure, 
fantastic, pointless, deliberately offensive — and most of these 
things, in truth, it was. They had no time to study it as it 
deserved, and Nietzsche himself, who might have explained, 
was already showing an impertinent independence, a lament- 
able falling-off of his old filial fidelity. So they threw the 
book behind the stove, and turned to the new apostles brought 
out by the first season at Bayreuth — a brigade that must 
have depressed Wagner severely at times, but that neverthe- 
less showed no sign of alarming the house with ideas of its 
own. Among equals there can be no disciples. Wagner re- 
signed Nietzsche as flighty and incomprehensible, and 
Nietzsche resigned Wagner as half a charlatan. 

I doubt that either man had much permanent influence on 
the other. Nietzsche was fond of hinting, in after years, that 
Wagner borrowed many ideas from him, but I have been un- 
able to find any trace of them in the Wagner pronuncia- 
mentos. Wagner's ideas were actually his own, and most 
of them were quite simple, and needed no help from Nietzsche 
for their clarification and statement. All that Nietzsche 
gave him, in the Tribschen days, was a certain learned sup- 
port; it pleased him, but he would have been just as well off 
without it. Nietzsche's efforts to bring the Wagner notions 
into harmony with his own theories as to the origin of the 

xv 



Introduction 

Greek drama were never very convincing, even to the Wag- 
nerites ; later on he himself saw their folly. These efforts 
marked the period of his most complete illusion. The Wag- 
ner he then saw before him was an impossible compound of 
artist and scholar ; he lived to find out that the artist is far 
more likely to be wedded to a mountebank; before he died 
he even descended, in "Also sprach Zarathustra," to monkey- 
shines himself. Nor can I find any sign of Wagner's influ- 
ence in the main work of Nietzsche — that is, in "The Dawn 
of Day" and the books following. He kept up a secret and 
wistful affection for his old friend to the end; on his death 
he said, "Den habe ich sehr geliebt." But when he plunged 
into the great exhortations and expostulations of his ma- 
turity, when he turned up the reluctant sod of his high and 
lonely valleys, then Wagner was far below and behind him, 
and could be no more imagined guiding him than Rossini 
could be imagined guiding Wagner. They spoke different 
languages, and inhabited different worlds. Wagner's funda- 
mental philosophy was colored by the German Liberalism of 
his time; he was daring, but always within the limits of ac- 
cepted concepts. Nietzsche was a pure revolutionary, a 
magnificent disdainer of both the past and the present — as 
he himself was fond of saying, an anti-Christ. What he 
had to say may not have been always sound, but it was cer- 
tainly always thoroughly original. Despite his veneration 
for Schopenhauer, he was his own man from the start. His 
ideas came into the world with a note of challenge and defi- 
ance. They attacked the very foundations of modern civili- 
zation. To all men they were startling and disquieting; to 

xvi 



Introduction 

most men they were appalling. But the years deal kindly 
with them. More and more they tend to prevail, or, at all 
events, to get themselves heard. Only blockheads today 
know nothing of them, and only fools are unshaken by them. 

H. L. Mencken. 






xvu 



THE NIETZSCHE-WAGNER 
CORRESPONDENCE 



THE NIETZSCHE-WAGNER 
CORRESPONDENCE 



CHAPTER I. 



FIRST MEETING. 



MY brother writes in "Ecce H omo" ; "From the 
moment a piano edition of 'Tristan and Isolde' 
appeared (my compliments, Herr von Biilow!) I 
became a confirmed Wagnerite." 

I must modify this statement, however, as my brother's 
admiration for Richard Wagner began at a somewhat earlier 
date, in fact, as early as the autumn of 1860, at which time 
he and two other sixteen-year-old boys by the names of 
Wilhelm Pindar and Gustav Krug, founded a little society 
and christened it with the high-sounding name of "Ger- 
mania,'* despite the fact that it consisted of only three 
members. 

The purpose of this society, as set forth in the constitu- 
tion, was to acquire a wider knowledge of the arts and 
sciences, and one of the first steps taken was to subscribe 
for the "Zeitschrift fur Musik" — the only musical journal at 
that time in Germany which had actively espoused the cause 
of Richard Wagner and his works. By pooling their modest 

1 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

pocket money, the three enthusiastic Wagnerites were also 
able to purchase the piano arrangement of "Tristan and 
Isolde." This was in the winter of 1862, and no sooner was 
the coveted treasure in their possession than the members 
found themselves embroiled in a discussion provoked by a 
paper written by Wilhelm Pindar on the theme: "Music, the 
Daughter of Poetry." Among other things he said: "Any 
effort to effect a close union of the various arts cannot be 
regarded as a fantastic attempt, for even though it be denied 
the genius of one individual to achieve this result, it is, never- 
theless, a possibility, provided the one artist is in close 
sympathy with the intentions of the other, and displays con- 
sideration and sensitivity in uniting the two related arts. But 
a genuinely harmonious union of hitherto independent ele- 
ments can never be entirely successful, and therefore, the art- 
work of the future will ever remain an unrealized ideal." 

This standpoint was vigorously opposed by the two 
remaining members, but unfortunately, my brother's views 
on the subject have not been preserved. Gustav Krug, how- 
ever, expressed himself at some length in the chronicles of the 
society, and it is safe to assume that he voiced my brother's 
theories. 

Krug wrote : "I ask why should such an ideal be unattain- 
able? Has not Wagner, in his 'Tristan and Isolde' and 
'Nibelung,' demonstrated his ability to put this theory into 
practice? Now that the close union of music and poetry 
has been so splendidly achieved in these works, should it not 
also be possible for the singer to become a genuine actor? 
Have we not the Schroeder-Devrient and Johanna Wagner 
to bring forward in proof of the capacity of the genuinely 
great singer to possess the parallel qualities of a really great 

% 



First Meeting 

actress? And is not the same thing true of the stage ma- 
chinery and the mise-en-scene? On this point, Brendel 
observes quite rightly: 'In the earlier operas only the music 
was taken seriously, and all else was, more or less, an artistic 
lie. Hitherto, opera has displayed the paradox of claiming 
to represent the union of all the arts, but in reality, of 
refusing to do justice to the essential characteristics of these 
arts. The art-work of the future will be the solution of this 
paradox. The time has come for all the arts to be taken 
with equal seriousness, and for a union, in this sense, to 
be attempted.' " 

It was at our house that the three friends met to study the 
music of "Tristan and Isolde," as Wagner's art met with 
lively opposition at the homes of Pindar and Krug. And I 
must confess, that at first the music did sound frightful as 
played by Fritz and Gustav ; they apparently did not under- 
stand how to make the melody stand out from the rich har- 
monic background, and our good mother, unwilling as she 
was to interfere with my brother's enjoyment, frankly ad- 
mitted that she took no pleasure in this "frightful noise," as 
she called it. Even I could not get up any enthusiasm about 
it at first, but the boys persisted in their efforts until they 
succeeded so well in bringing out the effect of the hunting 
horns at the opening of the second act, that I fell completely 
under the spell of the music. "Everyone must be enraptured 
by it !" declared my brother, but my mother, who thought it 
judicious to throw an occasional wet blanket upon his ardor, 
answered : "Not at all ! There is no must in the matter, and 
on all sides I hear that this music is repudiated by the most 
eminent musical authorities. For example, Wagner's music 
is completely tabooed at the home of Frau Frege, the meeting 

3 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

place of a group of Leipsig musicians. A strange artist, 
not knowing of this antagonism, began to play some- 
thing of Wagner's one evening, whereupon Frau Frege 
fainted dead away and had to be carried from the room, and 
the remainder of the company was also most unpleasantly 
affected." 

I should not like to create the impression that my brother 
allowed himself to be carried away by an unreasoning 
enthusiasm. Such was not the case at all, as is indicated in 
a letter written to his friend, Baron von Gersdorff, on 
October 11, 1868: "I have played but little as I have no 
piano here in Kosen, but I brought along the piano score 
of Wagner's 'Walkure,' in regard to which my feelings are so 
confused that I dare not venture an opinion on the subject. 
The greatest beauties and virtues are offset by equally great 
shortcomings and positive ugliness, at times. And according 
to Riese and Buchbinder -f- a -f~ ( — a) = O. The news- 
papers state that the same composer is at work on a 
Hohenstaufen opera, and receives an occasional visit from 
the king whom he calls in the dedication of the work: 'the 
noble protector of my life.' It would do no harm, by the 
way, for the 'king to go with Wagner' ('to go,' in the 
boldest sense of the term) but naturally with a respectable 
life annuity." 

And again, my brother would give free vent to his en- 
thusiasm and write thus to his friend, Erwin Rohde: "This 
evening I attended the opening concert of the Euterpe 
society and refreshed my soul by listening to the Vorspiel of 
'Tristan and Isolde' and that of the 'Meistersinger.' For the 
life of me, I cannot preserve an attitude of cool criticism 
in listening to this music; every nerve of my being is set 

4 



First Meeting 

tingling and it has been a long time since I have experienced 
a feeling of such sustained enjoyment as I did while listening 
to the latter overture." . . . Some weeks later, in attempt- 
ing to console Rohde for some disagreeable personal expe- 
rience, my brother pointed out the case of Richard Wagner, 
emphasizing that trait in his character, which compelled 
my brother's admiration as long as he lived. "Think of 
Wagner and Schopenhauer and of the undaunted energy 
with which they preserved their faith in themselves, and this 
amid the 'halloo of the entire cultured world !' " 

At last the moment arrived when my brother was to make 
the personal acquaintance of the long-revered genius, an 
event humorously described in the following letter to Rohde 
written November 9, 1868 : ". . . When I got home I found 
a note stuck in my door reading: 'If you wish to meet 
Richard Wagner, come to the Theatre Cafe at a quarter 
to four. Windisch.* . . . Naturally I rushed off to the 
appointed place where I found our good friend and learned 
further details. It seems that Wagner had arrived in 
Leipzig on a visit to relatives, but was preserving the 
strictest incognito ; the press had not been allowed to get 
wind of the matter and the servants of the Brockhaus 
family were as silent as graves in livery. Wagner's sister, 
Frau Brockhaus, had naturally taken great pride in intro- 
ducing her genius to her most intimate friend, Frau 
Ritchelin (the lucky creature!) Wagner played the 
Meisterlied for the Ritchelin, and the good woman told 
him that she was already familiar with the music — meet 
opera; astonishment and delight on the part of Wagner. 
Signifies his royal wish to make my humble acquaintance. 
I was to have been invited for Friday evening; Windisch, 

5 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

however, explained that it would be impossible for me to 
get away from my work ; whereupon, Saturday was sug- 
gested as the day of the meeting. At the appointed hour, 
Windisch and I hurried off to the Brockhaus home where' 
we found the Professor and his family assembled, but no 
Richard, he having unceremoniously sallied forth with an 
enormous hat on his big cranium. But, at all events, I 
made the acquaintance of this interesting family, and re- 
ceived an invitation to come again on Sunday evening. 

"I seemed to be living in a dream during the time that 
intervened, and you must admit that the events leading up 
to this meeting, together with the well-known inaccessibility 
of this unique personality, savored strongly of the romantic. 
Under the impression that the soiree was to be a ceremonious 
affair, I resolved to don gala attire and was overjoyed at 
the thought that my tailor had already promised to have 
my new suit of evening clothes ready by Sunday. The 
weather was abominable, rain alternating with snow, and I 
had no inclination to venture out, and was therefore, highly 
pleased when Roscher dropped in to see me during the course 
of the afternoon ... it began to grow dark, but the tailor 
did not put in his appearance. When Roscher left, I went 
along, looked in at my tailor's and found his slaves busily 
sewing on my suit; it was to be delivered in three-quarters 
of an hour. . . . 

"With my mind set at ease, I went on my way, met up 
with Kintschky, read the Kladderadatsch and beamed with 
joy when I came across a notice stating that Richard 
Wagner was at present in Switzerland, but that a beautiful 
house was being built for him in Munich, while all the time 
I knew that I was to meet him that very evening, and that 

6 



First Meeting 

the day before he had received a letter from the little king 
addressed: 'To the great German tone-poet, Richard 
Wagner.' 

"No tailor in evidence when I got back to my room, so I 
seated myself with the greatest composure to read the dis- 
sertation on Eudocia : from time to time, I was disturbed 
by the shrill ringing of a bell that seemed to come from a 
great distance. Finally, it was borne in upon me that 
someone was ringing at the primitive old iron gate ; this 
was locked as well as the front door, and I was obliged to 
scream across the garden to the man to come in through 
the side entrance, but it was impossible to make myself 
heard for the splashing of the rain. The excitement com- 
municated itself to the entire house, and finally, the doors 
were opened to admit a queer-looking little man carrying 
a parcel. It was then half-past six and the highest time 
that I should be about my toilet as I had some distance to 
go. Right enough, it was a man with my suit: I tried on 
the coat and found it an admirable fit. 

"Suspicious turn in affairs ! The man presents the bill; I 
accept it politely. He expects it to be paid on the spot ; 
I express great surprise and explain that I can have no 
dealings with one of the workmen but only with the tailor 
to whom I gave the order. The man becomes more in- 
sistent ; the time grows shorter and shorter. I lay hold of 
the garments and attempt to put them on; the man seizes 
them and prevents me from carrying out my intention. 
Display of force on my side; display of force on his side. 
Tableau ! I continue the struggle as I am determined to 
wear the new trousers at all hazards. 

"Finally, I resort to a show of injured dignity, solemn 

7 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

threats, curses upon the head of the tailor and his ac- 
complices, upon whom I vow everlasting vengeance. In the 
meantime, the man disappears, triumphantly taking my suit 
with him. End of 2nd Act ! Shirt-clad, I sit on the sofa, 
scrutinizing an old black coat and trying to decide whether 
or not it is good enough for Richard. 

". . . Outside, the rain descending in torrents ... A 
quarter to eight ; at half-past, I had arranged to meet 
Windisch at the Theatre Cafe. I rush forth wildly into the 
dark and stormy night, in a mood of exhilaration despite 
the old coat. After all, fortune had been kind to me ; there 
was even something uncanny and extraordinary about the 
scene with the tailor's apprentice. 

"We arrive at the hospitable Brockhaus home: no one 
there but the immediate family, Richard, and the two of us. 
Introduced to Richard and say a few deferential words. He 
inquires very minutely how I come to be so familiar with his 
works, inveighs roundly against the production of his 
operas, with the exception of the famous Munich perform- 
ances. He ridicules the conductors, who good-humoredly 
call out to their men: 'Now, gentlemen, just a trifle more 
passionate!' — 'Meine Gutsen, noch ein bisschen leidenschaft- 
erlicher!' — W. is fond of using the Saxon dialect. 

"Now let me tell you briefly what happened on this eventful 
evening; it was enjoyment of so unique a character that I 
have not yet been able to get back into the grooves of 
everyday life, but am fit for nothing but to talk to you, 
dear friend, and tell you 'wundersame Mar.' Before and 
after dinner Wagner played all the important episodes from 
the 'Meister singer,' imitating the different voices. He is an 
astoundingly vivacious and high-spirited man, speaks very 

8 



First Meeting 

rapidly, is extremely witty, and is very animated when in 
the company of intimate friends. 

"During the course of the evening we had a long con- 
versation about Schopenhauer, and you can imagine my 
unbounded joy at hearing him say, with indescribable en- 
thusiasm, how much he owed to Schopenhauer and to hear 
him called the only philosopher who had recognized the real 
nature of music. Then he inquired what attitude the 
professors now took towards Schopenhauer, and laughed 
heartily over the Philosopher's Congress in Prague, referring 
to them as 'philosophic porters.' Later in the evening, he 
read us parts of his autobiography upon which he is now 
at work, among other things, a delicious scene from his 
student days in Leipzig, of which I cannot yet think without 
bursting into laughter. By the way, he is very clever and 
witty with his pen. As we were leaving, he pressed my hand 
and cordially invited me to come and see him so that we 
might continue our conversation upon music and philosophy. 
He also commissioned me to familiarize his sister and her 
family with his music, which I solemnly pledged myself to 
do. . . . You shall hear more when I am able to look back 
upon this evening more objectively, and from a greater 
perspective. . . ." 



9 



CHAPTER II. 

FIEST VISIT TO TRIBSCHEN. 

(Spring of 1869.) 

SOME months after this meeting, my brother was called 
to the University of Basle as professor of classical 
philology, his appointment being due to a number of 
striking scientific treatises published in the Rheinisches 
Museum and to the personal recommendation of Prof. 
Ritschl of Leipzig. During the Whitsuntide holidays of 
the same year he went over to Lake Lucerne with the inten- 
tion of visiting the various points of historic interest in 
which this region abounds. Finding himself in the immediate 
vicinity of Villa Tribschen he debated with himself as to the 
propriety of accepting Wagner's invitation and paying a 
call at the villa. 

In a vacillating frame of mind, he set out along the 
lake shore road leading to the romantic old country house 
almost hidden from view in the enchanting landscape which 
lay spread out at the foot of Mount Pilatus. Upon arriving 
at his destination, he hesitated outside the garden hedge for 
some time listening to an excruciating discord repeated again 
and again. Later he learned that this was from the third 
act of "Siegfried" at the point where the hero exclaims : 
" Verwundet hat mich, der mich erweckt." 

Finally he was observed by a servant who came out to say 

10 



First Visit to Tribschen 

that Herr Wagner was in the habit of working until two 
o'clock and could not be disturbed before that hour. Upon 
hearing this, my brother left his card and was some distance 
from the gate when the servant came hurrying back to in- 
quire whether the "Herr Professor" was the same "Herr 
Nietzsche" whom Wagner had met in Leipzig. No sooner 
had this fact been established than my brother was invited 
to remain for dinner, but this he was unable to do as he had 
arranged to meet his friends at Tell's Chapel further down 
the lake. 

The visit was, therefore, postponed until Monday, when 
he went over to Tribschen early in the morning and spent 
the first of those enchanting days with Richard Wagner 
and Frau Cosima which were to form veritable oases in the 
desert of his solitary life. I must explain here that some 
time elapsed before my brother began to feel at home in 
Basle. He was tremendously impressed by the solidarity 
of this firmly established little commonwealth, and by the 
extreme cordiality manifested by his colleagues, all of 
whom were men much older than himself. He also had a 
high regard for the serious-minded and reserved burghers, 
but his was not the temperament to make friends easily, 
and the same has always been said of the good folk of Basle. 

He was, therefore, made indescribably happy by the un- 
expected cordiality displayed towards him by Wagner and 
Frau Cosima von Biilow from whom the first advances came 
in a note written on May 20, 1869 : 

"As you were kind enough to promise us that you would 
repeat your visit to Tribschen, I am now writing to ask 
you to come over next Saturday, May 22. It is Herr 

11 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

Wagner's birthday and I feel that I should be giving him 
genuine pleasure by inviting you to an informal family 
dinner and also to spend the night, provided you are will- 
ing to put up with very modest sleeping accommodations. 
Kindly send me a few lines so that we may know if we are 
to expect you. Cordial greetings from 

"Yours sincerely, 

"COSIMA VON BuLOW." 

Unfortunately my brother's university duties prevented 
him from accepting this invitation, and he was obliged to 
content himself with writing the following letter : 

Friedrich Nietzsche to Richard Wagner. 

"Most honored sir: 

"It has long been my intention to express unreservedly 
the debt of gratitude I owe you. As a matter of fact, the 
highest and most inspiring moments of my life are closely 
associated with your name, and I know of only one other 
man, and that man your twin brother of intellect, Arthur 
Schopenhauer, whom I regard with the same veneration — 
yea, even more, as religione quadam. 

"I take especial pleasure in making this confession to you 
on this auspicious day and even do so with a feeling of 
pride. For if it be the fate of genius to belong to the 
'select few' for the time being at least — these 'few' have 
every reason to feel highly honored by virtue of the fact that 
it has been vouchsafed them to see the light and bask in 
its warmth, while the larger public stands shivering in the 
cold outside. Moreover, this ability to take delight in 
genius is not a thing that falls lightly in the lap of these 

12 



First Visit to Tribschen 

few, but is rather to be regarded as the result of a valiant 
fight against powerful prejudice and antagonism. Having 
fought this fight successfully, they come to feel that right 
of conquest has given them quite an especial claim upon 
this particular genius. 

"I make bold to count myself among these 'select few,' 
since realizing how incapable the world at large is of com- 
prehending your personality, or of feeling the deeply ethical 
current by which your life, your writings, and your music 
are permeated — in short, of sensing an atmosphere of that 
serious and more spiritual outlook upon life of which we 
poor Germans have been robbed overnight, as it were, by 
every conceivable sort of political misery, philosophical 
nonsense, and aggressive Judaism. 

"It is to you and Schopenhauer that I owe my ability 
of holding fast to the vital seriousness of the Germanic 
race and to the deepened contemplation of our enigmatical 
and perplexing existence. 

"How many purely scientific problems have been eluci- 
dated for me by dwelling on your own singularly lonely and 
unique personality ! All this I should have liked to have 
said to you face to face, just as I should have preferred 
not to have been obliged to write all that I have just written. 

"How gladly would I have been with you in your lake 
and mountain solitude had not the chains of my professional 
duties bound me to my Basle dog-kennel. 

"In closing I beg you to remember me to Baroness von 
Biilow, and remain 

"Your most faithful and reverential disciple and admirer, 

"Dr. Fr. Nietzsche, 

"Prof, in Basle." 
13 



The 'Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 
Early in June, ray brother wrote to Erwin Rohde: 

"... I am very happy in my friendship with Richard 
Wagner and spent Whitmonday at his delightful country 
home with him and the intelligent Frau von Biilow (the 
daughter of Liszt). The latter also invited me to come 
over and surprise Wagner on his birthday but I was obliged 
to make a virtue of necessity and say 'No.' 

"Wagner is really everything that one could expect; he 
has an extravagantly rich and noble nature, energetic char- 
acter, fascinating personality and strong will power. But 
I must call a halt, or I shall find myself singing a paean 
of praise." 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"Lucerne, June 3, 1869. 
"Most valued friend: 

"Accept my most heartfelt thanks — even though some- 
what belated— for your beautiful and significant letter. 
Had I wished to have you pay me a visit before receiving 
this letter, I now urgently repeat the sincere and spontane- 
ous invitation extended to you when we parted in front 
of the 'Rossli.' 

"Do come — you need only send me a line in advance. For 
instance, come Saturday afternoon, remain over Sunday 
and return early Monday morning. Every day laborer 
can dispose of his time to this extent, and it should be all 
the more possible for a professor to do so. . . . 

"Now show yourself as you really are! As yet, my ex- 
periences with my German countrymen have not been alto- 
gether pleasurable. Therefore, come and rescue my faith in 

14 



First Visit to Tribschen 

that which I, together with Goethe and a few others — call 
German liberty. 

"Cordial greetings from 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Richard Wagner." 

My brother hastened to accept this invitation and dur- 
ing the last night of his visit, Wagner's son, Siegfried, 
was born — a fact Nietzsche did not learn until later in the 
day as he was obliged to leave the house at an early morn- 
ing hour. That the birth of Wagner's son should have 
coincided with my brother's first visit to Tribschen was 
regarded by both as an auspicious omen for the newly- 
formed friendship. 

In a letter dated June 16, my brother wrote to Rohde: 

"... A short time ago I indiscreetly read Wagner a 
beautiful passage from one of your letters and he was so 
deeply moved that he begged me to let him have a copy of 
it. Please do me a great favor and write him a long letter. 
You are no longer a stranger to him. His address is, 
'Richard Wagner, Tribschen near Lucerne.' ... I was 
again his guest for two days and felt myself wonderfully 
refreshed by this visit. 

"Wagner embodies all the qualities one could possibly 
desire. The world has not the faintest conception of his 
greatness as a man and of his exceptional nature. I learned 
a great deal from my intercourse with him and it is like 
taking a practical course in Schopenhauerian philosophy. 
This sense of nearness to Wagner is an inexpressible source 
of consolation to me. ..." 



15 



CHAPTER III. 



THE SUMMER OF 1869. 



Friedrich Nietzsche to Erwin Rolide, Aug. 17, 1869: 

BUT now let me tell you something about my Jupiter, 
in other words, about Richard Wagner, in whose 
society I am occasionally permitted to take a good 
long breath, and thereby refresh myself to a degree that 
would be incomprehensible to my entire corps of colleagues. 
As yet, no honors have been conferred upon this remarkable 
man, and he has only just received his first mark of dis- 
tinction, an honorary membership in the Berlin Academy of 
Arts. 

"His life has been a rich, fruitful and agitated one, 
absolutely unique and unprecedented when compared to that 
of average mortals. There he stands, firmly rooted by his 
own efforts, with his thoughts directed above and beyond 
everything ephemeral and unseasonable. A short time ago 
he gave me a manuscript of his to read entitled: 'State and 
Religion.' This essay is intended as a memorial to the young 
king of Bavaria, and is of such nobility of thought and 
Schopenhauerian seriousness that I could only wish I were a 
king to be admonished in like manner. By the way, I re- 
cently copied certain passages from your letters and sent 

16 



The Summer of 1869 

them to Frau von Biilow as she had repeatedly expressed the 
wish to have them. 

"A son to be christened 'Siegfried 1 was born during one 
of my recent visits to Tribschen, and when I was last there, 
Wagner had just finished his music drama ' Siegfried' and 
was glowing in the full consciousness of his powers. 

"You say you do not wish to write to him? And that 
you think he must be satiated with the homage of the 
enraptured laity? But I did not mean that you were to 
write to him in his capacity as musician, but as a like- 
minded serious man. He receives few enough demonstrations 
from people of that sort and each time he is as pleased as 
if he had made an important discovery. Moreover, you are 
no longer a stranger to him." 

It was Wagner's wish that my brother should spend the 
greater part of his summer vacation in Tribschen, but this 
he was unable to do. Upon learning of this decision, Wag- 
ner made the half-playful, half -vexed comment: "The Pro- 
fessor makes himself scarce!" This did not prevent the 
family at Tribschen from following my brother's movements 
with friendly interest, as may be seen from a letter of 
Frau Cosima's written late in June, 1869. 

". . . We suffered with you in your wretched Pilatus 
adventure. While indulging in a bourgeois game of ten- 
pins in Stanz on Sunday evening, we persuaded ourselves 
that you were going to have fine weather for the ascent, 
but when we awoke on Monday morning, we were genuinely 
frightened about you. This feeling was shared by young 
and old alike, and 'What will Professor Nietzsche do?' ran 
like wild-fire through the entire house, from the kitchen to 
the nursery. Isolde came to me and said : 'But Uncle Rich- 

17 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

ard's man is up there.' All this was on Monday, and when 
the sun broke through the clouds on Tuesday, we concluded 
that you must have remained on the summit all night. 
When noon came and you still had not put in an appear- 
ance, it occurred to us that you had been punished for hav- 
ing treated Tribschen so badly, in having been either not 
willing or not able to postpone your excursion for a day. 
But be that as it may — whether punishment or fate — the 
whole thing was, and remains, abominable of you." 

My brother was immediately taken back into favor, 
despite the fact that he had made himself "scarce" and 
had deserted Tribschen for the sake of the Pilatus adven- 
ture. Frau Cosima wrote: 

"Now I am writing to ask if you feel inclined to spend 
the coming Saturday and Sunday with us? Bad weather 
is assuredly less of a hardship here than on the top of 
Pilatus, and I do not need to tell you how welcome you 
always are. Herr Wagner adds his assurances to mine 
and sends you cordial greetings. Last week he actually 
had a letter from Prof. Brockhaus in which he announces 
their departure and the possibility of a visit to us." 

Naturally my brother could not refuse this second invita- 
tion, and he was again summoned to Tribschen when Prof. 
Brockhaus (whose wife was a sister of Wagner) arrived. 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

Telegram, August 3, 1869. 
"The Brockhauses dine with us tomorrow (Saturday) 
at two o'clock. Your presence requested, whereby complete 
freedom promised for you for Sunday afternoon. 

"Wagnee." 
18 



The Summer of 1869 

Frau Cosima neglected no opportunity of showing her 
delight at having my brother at Tribschen, where his arrival 
was always a signal for general household rejoicing. Frau 
Cosima wrote that even the servants participated in this 
demonstration : 

"Come to us soon again. You know that Jacob is only 
too glad to wait upon you and I hope no assurances are 
needed from the master and myself." 

It is not surprising that my brother should have spent 
all his leisure moments at Tribschen and to this he refers 
in a letter to Rohde written September 3, 1869: ". . . Like 
yourself, I, too, have my Italy, but I can only take refuge 
there on Saturdays and Sundays. I have been over three 
or four times of late, and a letter flies over the same route 
nearly every week. Dearest friend, it is impossible to tell 
you all that I learn and see, hear and comprehend during 
these visits. Schopenhauer and Goethe, Aeschylus and 
Pindar still live — I give you my word for it," 

My brother not only received but gave inspiration, by 
carrying his own world with him to Tribschen. Among 
other things, he sent Wagner a copy of his inaugural ad- 
dress on the "Personality of Homer," of which Frau Cosima 
made the following acknowledgement: 

". . . This evening between Beethoven, Goethe and Schil- 
ler, we read your address with deep interest and I now say 
to you that you will not only find the great Aeschylus at 
Tribschen but also your Homer. You will find him very 
much alive and persistently productive. Herr Wagner sends 
you his best thanks and says that he is in close sympathy 
with all your views on aesthetic questions as well as with 
the subject matter of your address. He congratulates you 

19 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

on your presentation of a problem which to his mind, is 
the beginning — perhaps the end, of all wisdom, and yet is 
the one most frequently overlooked. If I may add a few 
words of minor importance, it would only be to say that your 
sympathy with Goethe's conflict, and the manner in which 
you treat Schiller's antipathy to the entire question, have 
given me the greatest pleasure and seem to me to be moments 
of the deepest significance. 

"Furthermore — not to lose sight of the purely formal 
side of the question — you seem to have been extremely 
felicitous in achieving the transition from a general problem 
to a specific question. You have done this with consummate 
art, and thereby succeeded in compressing one of the most 
difficult subjects into the circumscribed limitations of an 
address, and to have done this with astonishing clarity and 
a remarkably sure touch. 

"I fancy that your listeners must have followed you at 
times, with a halting comprehension and that the expres- 
sion 'in our hands we have a symbol,' must have created 
genuine consternation. Do you not intend to publish this 
little work? Even though it was meant only for Tribschen, 
there is surely other fruitful soil in which it would take 
root." 

To all outward appearances life in Tribschen moved on 
serenely and peacefully, but there were a number of things 
to keep Wagner and Frau Cosima in a painful state of agi- 
tation. One of these was the projected performance of 
the "Rhemgold" in Munich in direct opposition to Wagner's 
wishes. The king could not comprehend Wagner's reasons 
for objecting and this made the matter all the more pain- 
ful. Wagner wrote to Cornelius : "The king loves my music, 

20 



The Summer of 1869 

but attaches no importance to the way in which it is given.'* 
Referring to the web of intrigues woven about this per- 
formance, he again wrote to Cornelius : "No one can have the 
slightest conception of all that we have been called upon to 
suffer and endure." 

During this period, my brother was a source of genuine 
comfort to Wagner and F'rau Cosima, or as the former 
touchingly expressed it : "He was ever like a messenger 
from a higher and purer world." Wagner did not take the 
matter so seriously as long as he believed that the production 
of the opera would be in the hands of the faithful friends 
whom he had been instrumental in bringing to Munich. 
The artists who were to sing the parts of Wotan, Loge and 
Alberich came to Tribschen where Wagner not only in- 
itiated them into the music but also gave them practical 
suggestions as to their acting. To be sure, these rehearsals 
were not very inspiring, but every one was comforted by 
the thought that the burden of the performance would be 
borne by the orchestra of one hundred and seven men under 
the direction of Hans Richter. Wagner resigned himself 
to his fate and even tried to find comfort in the thought 
that the public, having neither the inclination nor the 
ability for a full understanding of the matter, would thereby 
be given, at least, a faint idea of his great work. But 
Wagner had not reckoned with the intrigues and machina- 
tions of his avowed and secret enemies in Munich. If I 
remember rightly, the fight centered around the person 
of Hans Richter who was not acceptable as the conductor 
of the work. This resulted in the postponement of the Rhem- 
gold performance, ad calendum graecas and every one at 
Tribschen breathed more freely for a time. But as Frau 

21 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

Cosima truthfully said: "It is written in the stars that 
nothing in Wagner's life is to be allowed to suffer only a 
partial shipwreck. Everything must go to pieces pre- 
cipitately and overwhelmingly." 

Wagner made a secret visit to Munich to talk the matter 
over with the king's secretary, who, however, assured him 
that if he continued to place obstacles in the way of the 
performance and did not agree to dispense with the services 
of Hans Richter, the consequences could be of the most 
humiliating character. Thereupon, Wagner allowed matters 
to take their course and deeply moved by the outcome, 
Frau Cosima wrote: "I could endure all these indignities 
with composure did not the master's health suffer so in- 
expressibly under the strain. And this suffering is not 
the result of the humiliating conditions to which he has been 
compelled to submit, but because he sees therein the irrev- 
ocable failure of all the most beautiful hopes of his life. 
You will understand me; I know nothing of a 'break,' but 
alas ! of a fatal rupture, made all the more serious by the 
fact that one side seems not to have the slightest compre- 
hension of this, and it is therefore all the more keenly felt 
by the other side. . . . He must now go to work again 
on his 'Siegfried.' I rely upon the quiet and solitude of 
our life here in Tribschen to restore his shattered nerves. 
If only the matter could be entirely dropped!" 

My brother displayed the deepest sympathy in all these 
conflicts and annoyances, and was taken into the closest 
confidence on all questions of an intimate nature. When 
Wagner passed through Basle on his way to and from 
Munich he sought counsel of my brother and he was also 
summoned to Tribschen to hear Richter's account of all 



The Summer of 1869 

the incredible happenings and intrigues that had set Munich 
by the ears. After the performance had finally taken place, 
Frau Cosima wrote to him: "You have probably heard 
much more about the 'Rhemgold' than we have. The unani- 
mous verdict of the press seems to be that the performance 
was magnificent but that the work itself was unendurable. 
You can imagine that our hearts are heavy and that a 
melancholy mood has taken possession of us. But God 
be praised, the heavens here give forth warmth and sun- 
shine and that is some consolation! I am enclosing some 
lines written by the master the day he received news of 
a performance so humiliating for him. 

"Spielt nur ihr Nebelzwerge mit dem Ringe, 
Wohl dien' er euch zu eurer Torheit Sold ; 
Doch habet acht : euch wird der Reif zur Schlinge; 
Ihr kennt den Fluch : seht ob er Schachern hold. 
Der Fluch, er will, dass nie das Werk gelinge. 
An dem, der furchtlos wahrt des Rheines Gold. 
Doch euer angstlich Spiel aus Leim and Kappe 
Bedeckt gar bald des Niblung Kappe." 



23 



CHAPTER IV. 



LATE AUTUMN OF 1869. 



WAGNER, Frau Cosima and my brother were drawn 
very closely together during all the hours and 
days spent in this remote spot, and the feeling of 
intimacy was heightened by the sharing of many heavy cares 
and burdens. It was during this autumn that Frau Cosima 
wrote ". . . We regard you as one of the family and this 
is saying a great deal in view of the material and moral 
seclusion of our little court." 

It was due to this seclusion that manifold commissions 
were intrusted to my brother by both Wagner and Frau 
Cosima. For example, certain of Wagner's letters had 
been published without his knowledge and consent and my 
brother was asked to see that a statement to this effect 
appeared in all the leading newspapers. Then he was 
also requested to conduct a search for a missing portrait 
of one of Wagner's uncles in Leipzig, a task in which my 
brother enlisted my services as well as those of Doris Brock- 
haus, a niece of Wagner's. Frau Cosima makes acknowl- 
edgement in one of her letters : "Please thank your sister 
for her efforts in regard to the portrait and still more for 
this proof of her kindly feeling towards me. In a life filled 
with trials and suffering, one learns to value such demon- 
strations of friendship. Notwithstanding the discouraging 

24 



Late Autumn of 1869 

attitude taken by the Brockhaus family, I am still hope- 
ful of obtaining possession of the portrait." After quot- 
ing this passage, my brother adds : "So you see that con- 
crete results are expected from you. As far as I am 
concerned you can accomplish this behind the back of the 
Brockhaus family." I acted upon this suggestion and was 
soon able to report the discovery of the portrait. 

As Christmas drew near, my brother was deluged with 
commissions of all sorts and practically all of the Trib- 
schen presents were bought by him in Basle. Not only was 
he called upon to select Diirer engravings, antiques and 
books, but he also had the novel task of buying dolls and 
toys of all sorts, even a doll's theatre being on his list. With 
each fresh request, Frau Cosima expressed her deep mortifi- 
cation for annoying my brother with such trival matters. 
She said that the master was very indignant with her, and 
that she only gained her own consent to trespass upon 
his good-nature by endeavoring to forget that he was a dig- 
nified professor and philologian, and remembering only that 
he was a young man of twenty-five. Her lists were pre- 
pared in such a way as to facilitate his task in every 
possible way, but Fritz took a very serious view of his mis- 
sion and not only were the books, engravings and the like, 
subjected to a close scrutiny, but he was extremely diffi- 
cult to please when it came to the selection of the toys. 
For instance, he found the king belonging to the ensemble 
of the doll's theatre not sufficiently royal in appearance, 
and the devil not as black as he should be painted. He 
also developed an unexpected degree of fastidiousness in 
regard to the robe worn by the Christmas angel, finally 

25 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

scorning the one offered by the Basle shops and ordering 
one from Paris. 

But commissions of far greater importance than the 
inspection and purchase of Christmas presents were in- 
trusted to my brother by Wagner himself, who was en- 
gaged in writing his autobiography. This was to be 
privately printed and a few copies distributed among his 
intimate friends. The following letter will show the magni- 
tude of the task devolving upon my brother. 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"Most excellent friend: 

"I am giving you the most extraordinary proof of my 
confidence, by sending with this letter a large package of 
valuable manuscript, namely, the opening chapters of the 
dictated copy of my autobiography. This is done with a 
twofold intention ; first of all, I wish you to read this part 
of the manuscript so that we can take up the reading at 
this point when you come to Tribschen, for what, I hope, 
will be a long visit. In the second place, I wish very much 
that you may be able to have about sixteen pages printed 
before Christmas as I wish to present it to our revered 
friend. I shall be guided entirely by your judgment in 
the matter. The chief thing is that the manuscript shall 
be given to the printers exactly as it is. I have already 
gone through it, after a fashion, in getting it ready for our 
friend (Frau von Billow) to make a copy for the king, but 
all further polishing-ofF must wait until the proof-sheets are 
ready, as it will then be easier for me to indicate any desired 
changes. On the other hand, I reserve the right of inserting 

26 



Late Autumn of 1869 

dates or even paragraphic notes in the proof-sheets. Mar- 
ginal notes, such as dates or dates of dictation, are naturally 
to be omitted. Roman print, everything 'noble,' as they 
say in Berlin. That is to be taken for granted. 

"Five copies to be printed on the best vellum paper; 10 
additional ones on a good quality of writing paper. More 
than that will not be necessary at present. You will see 
that the printer receives only so much of the manuscript as 
is needed at one time. 

"What do you think of the beginning? 

"Shall we not see you again before Christmas? 

"It is snowing today and the effect is very good. On 
the whole, I am not good for much ; catarrhal and abdominal 
pains frequently interrupt my Nornes at their weaving. 
And then again, I feel very well and am unalterable in my 
resolve to live to a high old age. This would mean terrify- 
ing printer's bills for me. 

"Most cordial greetings, 
"Yours, 
"Tribschen, Dec. 3, 1869. R. W." 

My brother had received the most pressing invitation to 
spend the Christmas holidays at Tribschen. Cosima also 
telegraphed : 

"Expect you Friday afternoon. Marionettes heavenly. 
Greetings and thanks. 

"Cosima." 

In the meantime my brother had selected all sorts of ap- 
propriate presents, his gift for Wagner being an enlarged 
copy of a Schopenhauer photograph, lent to him for the 
purpose by a friend of the philosopher. This piece of work 

n 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

was executed by Gustav Schultz, a well-known painter and 
photographer of Naumburg, and the carved frame, display- 
ing Wagner's coat of arms, was also the work of a Naum- 
burg wood-carver. My brother was delighted with the way 
in which I had executed these commissions to which he at- 
tached the greatest importance. He also collected an 
astonishing array of presents for the children who were 
devoted to "Herr Nii — tzsche." This amused me very much 
as, up to this time, my brother had not concerned himself 
greatly about the wishes of little girls. The hospitable 
old country house was transformed into a beautiful fairy 
tale in which the blissful children and their parents moved 
about as if in a dream — the latter not without a tinge of 
melancholy in their pleasure. In the exchange of presents, 
Frau Cosima received from my brother a beautiful privately 
printed cop} 7 of his inaugural address already mentioned, 
the title of which had been changed from "Homer's Per- 
sonality" to "Homer and Classical Philology." 

Two rooms were set aside for my brother's use, the little 
salon being christened the "Thinking Room" in his honor. 
He was at liberty to withdraw whenever he chose and occupy 
himself with his literary work, but, as a matter of fact, 
neither Wagner nor Frau Cosima had the faintest idea of 
the demands they made upon my brother's time, both in the 
way of commissions and in the realization of their hospitable 
intent. 

Aside from this, Wagner turned over to my brother all 
the onerous work connected with the printing of his auto- 
biography owing to the difficulty he had in making himself 
understood by the Italian, Bonfantini. It must not be for- 
gotten that my brother was already taxed to the utmost 

28 



Late Autumn of 1869 

by the new and exacting duties of his university position 
to say nothing of his private work, and had he not had the 
faculty of accomplishing everything with marvelous ease, 
it would have been impossible for him to have met all these 
demands upon his time and strength. The only criticism 
he permitted himself in this connection, was that Wagner 
and Frau Cosima had not the slightest conception of the 
heavy work he was carrying at that time. But so great 
was his admiration for the master and Frau Cosima that 
he bore all these burdens in a spirit of joyful self-sacrifice, 
and not content with this proof of his friendship, volun- 
tarily offered his service for further tasks. 



CHAPTER V. 

EXPEEIENCES DURING THE WINTER OF 1870. 

THE new year opened with increased work for my 
brother, as he had promised to deliver two special 
lectures on the "Greek Music Drama" and "Socrates 
and Tragedy." By reason of this, his letter of thanks to 
Tribschen was delayed and this called forth a reproof from 
Wagner. 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"My dear friend: 

"Your silence surprises me, but I hope that this feeling 
will soon be dispelled. 

"For today, parenthetically, a request. 

"From the family letters sent me as a Christmas gift, I 
see that there is a chronological error in my biography. 
In case the first sheets have not been struck off, I beg of 
you to correct the chronological data throughout the manu- 
script, as well as certain typographical mistakes which still 
cling but will be easily found by going through the proof 
again. 

"Please do not be vexed with me about this ! 

"As the one left behind, I should have preferred to have 
kept silent until you — the one who went away — had been 
heard from. But now that the family chronology has taken 
the matter in hand, I will further inform you that everything 

30 



Experiences during the Winter of 1870 

at Tribschen is at sixes and sevens. Coughs, colds, catarrh 
— or however it is spelled — have prostrated all of us. At 
last my work on the Nornes has been resumed, and the 
king has let himself be heard from in his customary erratic 
manner. It is possible that 'Rheingold' and i Walhure'' will be 
given in Munich this year, but it is scarcely probable that 
this will be done in accordance with my wishes. So much 
for this matter. 

"My investiture from the Berlin Academy has arrived 
and I have instructed Jacob to admit no one who does not 
inquire for the 'Foreign Member in Ordinary, R. W.' This 
is my newest title ! 

"But now not another word, for I am beginning to have 
my suspicions about you. 

"Yours, 
"Tribschen, Jan. 14, 1870. R. W." 

As may be imagined my brother answered this letter 
immediately and it seems as if Wagner began to have faint 
misgivings as to the demands that were being made upon 
my brother's time. Frau Cosima, on the other hand, seems 
not to have grasped the situation, if one may judge by 
the following letter: 

"... I have never been angry with you, but I am now 
going to make a beginning in that direction. I have been 
genuinely concerned about you and feared that you might 
be ill, but I am not going to scold you and thus spoil my 
satisfaction at hearing the contrary, as I am too well 
pleased at .having my perpetual distrust of fate disproved in 
this manner. The master has told me how much work 
you have on hand." 

31 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

Wagner also wrote in a sympathetic and conciliated 
strain : 



"Dearest friend: 

"There are certain persons who invariably lay them- 
selves open to suspicion ! But that will soon right itself. 
For today, I wish you an easy deliverance of all your la- 
bors and herewith send you the two latest numbers of my 
essay 'On Conducting' to help in assuaging your pains. 

"The crest turned out very well and we have every reason 
to be grateful to you for the careful attention you gave 
the matter. However, I still have the same misgivings in 
regard to the vulture, which unquestionably will be taken 
for an eagle at the first glance. This may be easily ex- 
plained by referring to any reliable work on natural history 
and establishing the fact that there is a so-called 'monk- 
vulture' closely resembling an eagle. It is of the greatest 
importance, on account of the associations, that the 'vul- 
ture' be instantly recognizable, and for this reason we beg 
that you secure the best available picture of such a beast 
and instruct the engraver to hang the characteristic ruff 
of the vulture around the neck of our bird. I realize the 
difficulties connected with such a change in the design, but 
hope that it may be found possible of execution. 

"I quite agree with you in the choice of the paper tc 
be used for all the copies of which only 

TWELVE 

are to be struck off. I find that this will be sufficient for 

* 
my present needs, as aside from my anxiety in regard to 

the preservation of my manuscript, I am only concerned 



Experiences during the Winter of 1870 

about safe-guarding it from abuse. Under these conditions, 
these twelve copies should possess genuine historic value. 

"We have nothing but catarrh and grippe here. Wretched 
weather and air like that in a hermetically sealed peasant's 
hut. My work moves along slowly and laboriously. 

"I am still having difficulties with my young monarch; 
I anticipate no good results from the matter and fear that 
great vexation of spirit is again in store for me. The 
Academy has sent — but you already know that ? Therefore, 
the essay 'On Conducting' is not to be dedicated to the 
Academy. 

"Furthermore, I hope for the speedy and satisfactory 
adjustment of many trying domestic relations, so that even 
the 'world* will not be obliged to shake its head over us 
much longer. 

"In the meantime, Plato has again been called to the rescue. 
Yesterday we finished reading Theatos, and in February 
we mean to have a good look at Socrates and Euripides 
to which I look forward with delight. Therefore, be of 
good cheer like a real Prussian cavalryman! 

"Cordial greetings, 
"Yours, 
"Tribschen, Jan. 16, 1870. R. W." 

Wagner's family crest, upon the suggestion of my 
brother, was to appear as a title vignette for the auto- 
biography (but without the vulture's ruff). 

Much to my mystification, my brother requested me to look 
out for a good picture of a vulture, although I could not 
understand why it should be so vital a matter to have an 



The NietzscJie-W agner Correspondence 

absolutely correct picture of this bird appear on the crest. 
Later my brother told me that Wagner always regarded 
his alleged stepfather, Ludwig Geyer,* as his real father. 
I feel no hesitancy in repeating this remark, as this ques- 
tion is now freely discussed and my brother himself alludes 
to this in his book "The Case of Wagner." As for that 
matter, the stepfather seems to have been a gifted and 
admirable man in more ways than one. He painted, wrote 
(his "Murder of the Children of Bethlehem" is a most di- 
verting comedy) and was said to have been extremely musi- 
cal. Recent research has established the fact that Geyer's 
father was an organist in Eisleben. 

Wagner also sent the next lot of proof-sheets to my 
brother for a final correction before they were returned to 
the Italian Bonfantini, to whose name Wagner was in the 
habit of hanging an extra syllable or two. Gradually, 
Wagner seemed to feel that he was imposing too much 
work upon my brother, and he commenced sending his in- 
structions directly to the printer. 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"Friend! Do I not burden you too much with these 
proof-sheets ? I am sending the accompanying copy through 
your hands rather than directly to Herr Bonfantini, be- 
cause I attach great importance to certain corrections (or 
alterations) and do not yet feel myself sufficiently familiar 
with the methods of these Italian printers and compositors. 
But these matters will soon be straightened out, I hope. 

* "Geier" — German word for "vulture.'' 

34 



Experiences during the Winter of 1870 

"Your lectures to the 'mothers' * made me shudder. But 
you can console yourself by the thought of one who has had 
dealings with the 'fathers* all his life, and whom he has 
been ridiculing in all sorts of futile ways, of late. Write 
soon to 

"Yours sincerely, 

"R. W." 
"My work is going fairly well." 
"Jan. 27, 1870." 

These two lectures on "The Greek Mime Drama" and 
"Socrates and Tragedy,"" which my brother had written he 
was to deliver before the "mothers," soon found their way 
to Tribschen where they created something of a sensation. 
Here for the first time, my brother developed with greater 
precision of detail his ideas on the overthrow of the Dionysian 
tragedy through the spirit of Socrates and Euripides. Wag- 
ner wrote at length of the impressions he had received upon 
reading these two treatises. 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"Dearest Herr Friedrich: 

"Last evening I read aloud your treatise to our friend. 
After finishing it, I had the greatest difficulty in quieting 
her, as she found that you had treated the awe-inspiring 
names of the great Athenians in a surprisingly modern 
manner. I was obliged to remind her that the entire char- 
acter of public address and the present-day elegant manner 

* "Mothers — goddesses of life" used by Goethe in "Fcmst," Act I, 
Part II. 

35 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

of book-writing had influenced the traditional style hitherto 
used in the discussion of the great antique ideals, and that 
thereby, this had been lowered to the niveau of the methods 
employed in disposing of transitory modern phenomena. 
(Mommsen's "Cicero" as feuilletonist occurred to me as I 
was speaking. ) This idea was quickly grasped and accepted 
as an explanation of the weakness of our age. For my own 
part, I was terrified by the boldness with which you launched 
so new an idea, and the concise and categorical manner in 
which you imparted this idea to a public which has but 
little inclination for culture. I warn you that you will 
have to reckon upon a complete misunderstanding from 
this quarter. 

"Even those who are initiated in my ideas will undoubtedly 
be frightened upon finding your ideas coming into conflict 
with their established belief in Socrates and even Aeschylus, 
But as for me — I call out to you: It is true! You have 
hit upon the right idea, and the real issue is so sharply 
characterized that I can only await with a feeling of admira- 
tion your further efforts to convert persons of ordinary 
dogmatic convictions. At the same time I am deeply con- 
cerned about you and from the bottom of my heart, I hope 
that you will not injure your career. Therefore, I should 
like to advise you not to touch upon such incredible views 
in dissertations written with the intention of producing an 
immediate effect, but to concentrate your efforts for a 
larger and more comprehensive work on this subject, if, as 
I believe, you are thoroughly convinced of the correctness 
of these ideas. 

"When that time comes, you will undoubtedly find the 

36 



Experiences during the Winter of 1870 

right words for the divine errors of Socrates and Plato, 
both of whom were creative natures of such overwhelming 
power, that even in turning away from them, we are 
compelled to worship them. 

"O friend! Where shall one find adequate words of 
praise in looking back from our world upon these incom- 
parably harmonious natures? And on the other hand, what 
high hopes and aspirations we may cherish for ourselves, if 
we realize fully and clearly that we can and must achieve 
something that was denied them. 

"Above all things, I hope that I have left you in no doubt^, 
as to my own opinion of your Socrates and the others, in 
what I have just written you about your work. 

"Yours, 
"Tribschen, Feb. 4, 1870. R. W." 

Frau Cosima was much more agitated than Wagner and, 
under the influence of her immediate impressions, wrote 
as follows : 

4 " '. . . Everything significant is disquieting.' These 
words of Goethe came to my mind in listening to your dis- 
sertation, dear Herr Professor. No doubt the master has 
told you how excited I became and that he was obliged to 
spin out the theme with me the entire evening. For al- 
though your fundamental views impressed me sympa- 
thetically, even familiarly at first, I cannot deny that the 
boldness and originality with which you developed the idea 
was simply overwhelming, and certain passages, such as the 
decline of Greek tragedy beginning with Socrates, — or even 
with Aeschylus — and then what you have written about 
the form of Plato's 'Conversations,'' were so startlingly new 

37 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

that the master was obliged to convince me that you were 
in the right. 

"I was not so much excited by what you said and your 
manner of saying it, as by the succinct form in which you 
were obliged to present the deepest and most far-reaching 
problems. This demands of your listeners that they be- 
come active collaborators, and thereby an exciting situation 
is created. 

"After having gone through almost every sentence with 
the master, and finding upon closer scrutiny, that every- 
thing proved the correctness of your views — I read the work 
through again yesterday and let it quietly take effect. The 
impression I received after this second reading was a very 
deep and beautiful one. Had your assurance fairly fright- 
ened me at first, I now found it uncommonly satisfying, as 
I recognized in it the pregnance of a powerful impression. 
These remote geniuses whom I had always approached with 
reverential awe, and to whose voices I had listened as to 
those of prophets and high priests, suddenly became in- 
dividualized and the mighty portent of Greek art passed 
before me in its lofty tragedy." 

My brother's answer to these two agitated and agitating 
letters must have been exceptionally beautiful, as Wagner's 
answer is very touching. How deplorable it is that the 
world is denied a knowledge of this missing letter, which is» 
said to have been destroyed at Wahnf ried ! 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"Dear Friend! 

"It is a wonderful comfort to be able to interchange 
letters of this kind! I have no one with whom I can dis- 

38 



Experiences during the Winter of 1870 

cuss things so seriously as with you — the only one ex- 
cepted. God knows what I should do without you two! 
When, after a period of deep dejection, I come back to my 
work, I am often thrown into a mood of sheer good humor, 
simply because I cannot comprehend it and am, therefore, 
obliged to laugh about it. At such times, the reason for 
all this comes to me like a flash, but to attempt to analyze 
this feeling and endeavor to express it in terms of 'Socratic 
wisdom* would require an unlimited amount of time and the 
elimination of all other claims upon me. Division of labor 
is a good thing. You, for example, could assume a large 
part, in fact the half of my objectives, and (perhaps !) 
thereby be fulfilling your own destiny. Only think what a 
poor showing I have made as a philologist, and what a 
fortunate thing it is that you are on about the same terms 
with music. Had you decided to become a musician, you 
would have been, more or less, that which I should have 
become had I persistently clung to philology. As matters 
now stand, philology exerts a great influence over me, in fact, 
as an adjunct of prime importance, it even directs me in 
my capacity as a musician. On the other hand, you remain 
a philologist and allow your life to be directed by music. 
What I am now saying is meant very seriously. In fact, 
it was you, yourself, who gave me the idea of the unworthy 
circle in which a philologist by profession is doomed to 
revolve at the present time, and you have assuredly learned 
from me something of all the mathematical rubbish among 
which an absolute musician (even under the most favorable 
circumstances) is obliged to fritter away his time. Now 
you have an opportunity of proving the utility of philology, 
by helping me to bring about the grand 'renaissance' in 

39 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

which Plato will embrace Homer, and Homer, imbued with 
Plato's spirit, will become, more than ever before, the truly 
supreme Homer. 

"These are just random thoughts which occur to me, but 
never so hopefully as since I have taken so strong a liking 
to you, and never so clearly — and (as you see) never so 
clamoring for expression — as since you read us your 
'Centaurs.' * Therefore, do not doubt the impression 
created upon me by your work. A very serious and profound 
wish has been awakened in me, the nature of which will 
also be clear to you, for should you not cherish the same 
wish, you will never be able to carry it into fulfillment. 

"But we must talk this all over. Therefore — I think — 
in short, you must come to Tribschen next Saturday. Your 
sleeping room, the 'Gallerie,' is ready and 'Der Rauchfang 
ist Dir auch gewiss' f — in other words : auf Wiedersehen ! 

"With all my heart, 
"Yours, 

"R. W." 

Not only Wagner, but also Frau Cosima, advised my 
brother to develop this dissertation on Socrates and the 
Greek Tragedy into a larger and more comprehensive work. 
My brother smiled at this suggestion, as a wealth of 
aesthetic problems and their solution had been fermenting 
in his mind for years, and he had only taken advantage 

* The expression "Centaurs" refers to a remark of Nietzsche's to the 
effect that "science, art and philosophy have grown so closely together 
in my works that I shall most likely give birth to a 'Centaur 5 one of 
these days." 

f'The chimney is also at your disposal." Goethe's "Faust," Part I. 
Opening scene between Faust and Mephistopheles. 

40 



Experiences during the Winter of 1870 

of the two public lectures to work out a very small part 
of the material ultimately designed for a big work on the 
Greeks. It is very characteristic of Wagner, that despite his 
intimate relations with my brother, he could have made 
the mistake of believing that these two abbreviated lectures 
were only apercus, so to speak, and that he should not 
have recognized the fact that they were fragmentary parts 
of collective experiences which could only have been as- 
sembled by years of close study and profound thought. 
Other persons fell into the same error, owing to the fact 
that my brother, notwithstanding his fluency in daily inter- 
course, rarely ever gave expression to his great new ideas 
and plans, but preferred to let them ripen quietly into ma- 
turity, before speaking of them. Whether my brother acted 
upon Wagner's suggestions and revealed to him something 
of his innermost plans, or whether he considered it too 
premature to discuss the matter even with his intimate 
friends, — we have no means of knowing, as his reply to 
Wagner's letter is unfortunately missing. 

The originality and boldness of" expression in the Greek 
dissertation had not only created surprise and delight in 
Tribschen, but it also seems to have had a gratifying effect 
upon the depressed spirits of the family. Frau Cosima 
wrote : 

". . . Your treatise and our pre-occupation with it has 
marked a turning point in the mental atmosphere. We were 
both so depressed that we had about abandoned our evening 
readings, but the pilgrimage we took with you back to the 
most beautiful period of the world's civilization, has had 
so salutary an effect upon our spirits, that on the following 
morning the master sent his Siegfried down the Rhine, 

41 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

heralding his approach with a spirited theme accompanied 
by the boldest and most extravagant violin figurations, and 
upon hearing this, the Rhine Maidens responded with a 
most joyous and vigorous outburst of their favorite motive." 

(Overture to the "Gotterdammerung" after the parting of 
Briinhilde and Siegfried.} 

My brother often referred, in later years, to the in- 
spiring effect his new theories upon the essential character 
of the Greek drama had upon Wagner and Frau . Cosima. 
It was but natural that two persons of such high intelli- 
gence should immediately perceive that some powerful new 
message was being heralded here. In fact, my brother was 
the first to afford us a glimpse into the profoundest depths 
of the Greek soul, by his apprehension of the true signifi- 
cance of the Dionysian, as an opposing force to the Appol- 
lonian, tragedy. 

The "dejection of spirit" of which Frau Cosima wrote 
was due, primarily, to the projected performance of the 
"Walkiire" in Munich, upon which the young king insisted 
in apparent miscomprehension of Wagner's objections to 
the plan. Wagner owed King Ludwig an enormous debt of 
gratitude, as it was due to his royal generosity that Wag- 
ner, for the first time in his life, was relieved from financial 
worries and enabled to devote himself wholly to his life- 
work. He, therefore, felt compelled to yield to the king's 
wishes in regard to the Munich production of the "WalJciire," 
although he was dismayed at the attitude of the Intendant 
of the Court Theatre, who showed not the slightest inclina- 
tion to conform to Wagner's wishes in the matter. In 
writing to Karl Klindworth, Wagner said: "This then is 
the price I have paid for such a degree of household quiet 

42 



Experiences during the Winter of 1870 

as will- enable me to complete the composition of my life- 
work!" But the whole matter was extremely painful to 
Wagner and he used strong language in characterizing 
the events. How deeply he took the matter to heart may 
be seen from the circumstance that he was highly offended 
with all his friends and admirers (among whom was Franz 
Liszt with his customary train of followers) who attended 
the Munich production. 

Nor was Wagner much better pleased with the "Meister- 
singer" performances in Vienna and Berlin, although the one 
in Berlin was of a much higher order of excellence than the 
one in the Austrian capital, owing to the fact that there 
were so many influential "patrons" in the former city, who 
did everything in their power to make the work a success. 
For example, Baroness von Schleinitz, whose husband was 
a member of the Prussian cabinet, declared that she "would 
live and die for the Meistersinger performance." 

In Vienna, strong disapproval was manifested after the 
Beckmesser "Serenade,'" as Wagner's enemies had started 
the report that it was intended as a parody on an old song 
from the Hebraic ritual. Notwithstanding the undeniable 
success of the work in Vienna, the press of the city was 
unfavorable, on the whole, and when one of the leading 
critics commenced his review with the words that "al- 
together too much praise had been expended upon the work," 
and that, therefore, he would "endeavor to speak the truth 
about the matter," the family at Tribschen asked the 
astonished question: "Where, pray?" 

Despite glaring inadequacies in the staging of the work, 
the Berlin production was really a triumphant success and 
was promptly reported as such by Baroness von Schleinitz 

43 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

and Baron von Gersdorff, my brother's best friend. The 
A. A. Z. also reported that the "Meistersinger" had scored a 
decided success. A letter from Tribschen called my brother's 
attention to the interesting statements in this review to the 
effect that : ( 1 ) the blonde Germans had been derided in 
the work; (2) that it had been established that the work 
had been written in a spirit of pure vanity and as an oratio 
pro domo against music critics, but that, nevertheless, it 
must be pronounced a masterpiece. 

There were a number of other things to annoy Wagner 
during this winter, among them being the announcement 
of the engagement of his niece, Doris Brockhaus, to a man 
by the name of Richard Wagner. This led to no end of 
unpleasant complications as it was generally assumed that 
Wagner had become engaged to his own niece, as a result 
of which he was deluged with well-meant congratulations 
and my brother with no end of inquiries. A short time 
thereafter, the papers reported the sudden death of Richard 
Wagner (the fiance) which caused a repetition of the con- 
fusion and vexation of the Tribschen family. 

During his entire life Wagner was the object of much 
speculation on the part of the public and gossip was 
ever busy with his name. My brother took this very 
much to heart and made every effort to prevent these 
irritating pin-pricks from reaching Wagner. Frau Cosima, 
also, was touching in her efforts to shield Wagner from 
everything of an unpleasant nature, and to create a cheer- 
ful atmosphere by which he would be inspired to continue 
his work on the "Nibelung Ring' 1 '' and the big autobiography. 

She was unconsciously helped in this task by the five 
children, Daniela, Blandine, Isolde, Eva and Siegfried, all 

44 



Experiences during the Winter of 1870 

of whom were charming little creatures whose roguish pranks 
afforded Wagner boundless delight. My brother was also 
very fond of the children and was regaled with a new 
assortment of children's stories each time he went to 
Tribschen. Little Eva, in particular, was fond of making 
up all sorts of stories about the "good Herr Nutzsche." 
Sometimes she called him the "Good Herr Fressor" — a name 
which always brought forth a reproof from Isolde who in- 
sisted that it was "Professor, not Fressor; he is not going 
to eat anyone!" (The point of this little story is entirely 
lost in English as the emphasis lies on the word "fressen" — 
"to eat" — which is only used when applied to animals.) 

Eva also took the greatest interest in my brother's physi- 
cal well-being and was very much concerned that there was 
"never any meat on the good Herr Nii — tzsche's plate." 

Both Wagner and Frau Cosima made strenuous efforts to 
convert my brother from the vegetarian diet to which he was 
addicted, and, in time, he did abandon this, whether out of 
love of Wagner, or of little Eva, I cannot say. 



45 



CHAPTER VI. 

wagner's birthday. 
(April-June, 1870.) 

EARLY in April, 1870, my brother was made Pro- 
fessor in Ordinary of Classical Philology by his fac- 
ulty and the Swiss government, an appointment 
which made a great stir in academic circles, by reason of 
the fact that he had not yet reached the age of twenty- 
five. There had already been some talk of a call to a 
German university, and one of my brother's Leipzig 
friends made the prediction that "Nietzsche will be a Privy- 
Councillor by the time he is thirty" — this being considered 
the highest honor that could be conferred upon a pro- 
fessor at that time, and the be-all and end-all of academic 
ambitions. 

No one dreamed of my brother's dissatisfaction with his 
professional duties, but a short time thereafter, he ad- 
mitted as much to me sub rosa. That spring, my mother 
and I paid him a visit and together we made a trip to Lake 
Geneva, where we had an ideal sojourn at Pension Ketterer 
in Clarens-au-Basset. 

The Tribschen friends took the greatest interest in my 
brother's new honors and also in the trip to Lake Geneva. 
In fact Wagner felt greatly relieved at the turn in affairs, 

46 



Wagner's Birthday 

as my brother had suffered so keenly from all the painful 
and humiliating experiences to which Wagner had been sub- 
jected during the winter, that he had already intimated his 
readiness to give up his professorship and place himself 
entirely at Wagner's service. Wagner was seriously opposed 
to this, as however much he might wish to have Nietzsche 
devote himself to him and his cause, he, nevertheless, realized 
the tremendous prestige to be derived from having this done 
by a university professor. We were always greatly amused 
at the importance Wagner attached to my brother's position 
and title. 

This will explain the satisfaction Wagner felt at having 
my brother return to Basle apparently reconciled to his 
position, and alert to continue his philological studies. He 
intimates as much at the close of the following letter, other- 
wise occupied with his affairs at the printers': 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"Valued friend! 

"... I am glad to hear that you have been cheered by 
your sojourn on the shores of Lake Geneva. The same places 
which you mention in your letter are indelibly associated 
with various periods of my own life. At Hotel Byron in 
Villeneuve, I passed through one of the most extraordinary 
catastrophes of my whole life. In Montreux, I made an 
amazing discovery in regard to a young friend, and four and 
a half years ago, I sought a winter asylum in Vevey, where I 
took long walks with the Grand-duke of Baden and discussed 
German politics and other matters with him. 

"I now perceive that philology 'weird and gray' has again 
taken possession of you, and that even diverting excur- 

47 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

sions into the realm of 'style* will be difficult for you. There- 
fore, let me be also silent on trivial things connected with 
my own work. By doing this I may possibly be able to 
deflect your mind from the confusing impressions that surged 
in upon you from a sphere, in which another can, or must 
feel himself called upon to give himself up, heart and soul, 
to the contemplation of this world of ideas. 

"I am working slowly but 'surely' on my music dramas 
and take great comfort in the thought that when I wrote 
my "Meistersinger," I came in contact with the opera and 
the theatre for the last time. 

"Cordial greetings to you from 
"Yours, 
"Tribschen, May 10, 1870. Richard Wagnek." 

I should like to add here that Wagner was somewhat 
astonished to find my brother in so cheerful a frame of mind 
upon his return from Switzerland, and again alluded to 
this on two subsequent occasions when my brother had 
quickly rebounded from a pessimistic mood. Somewhat 
apologetically my brother replied : "It is due to my sister's 
companionship, as there is something very exhilarating about 
her that reconciles one to the world." Erwin Rohde's name 
for me was always : "Frdulein Euphrosyne." 

For the second time, my brother's duties made it im- 
possible for him to take part in Wagner's birthday festivities, 
but he sent twelve flowering rose bushes to Tribschen, re- 
serving his chief gift, a copy of Diirer's "Melancholie" until 
it could be delivered in person, as he felt that an engraving 
of so depressing a character was not altogether a suitable 
birthday present. Again he took recourse to his pen and 

48 



Wagner's Birthday 

wrote the master a letter in which allusions were made to 
a recent conversation between them, and with this he sent 
a new photograph of himself. 

Friedrich Nietzsche to Richard Wagner. 

"Pater Seraphice: 

"As it was impossible for me to participate in your birth- 
day festivities last year, so again an unfavorable constella- 
tion prevents me from being with you. It is with a very 
bad grace that I take the pen so unwillingly forced into 
my hand, whereas I had hoped I might be able to make a 
Mayday pilgrimage to Tribschen. 

"Permit me to make my wishes today an expression of 
my most intimate personal feelings. Let others bring you 
congratulations in the name of divine art, in the name of 
their high hopes, in the name of their own individual wishes, 
but for me the most subjective of all wishes suffices. May 
you remain what you have been to me during the past year, 
my mystagogue in the esoteric doctrines of life and art. 
Even though the gray mists of philology should seem to 
separate us from time to time, my thoughts in reality shall 
ever be with you. If it be true, as you once wrote me (to 
my great pride!) that my life is directed by music, then 
you, and no other, are the director of that music, and you, 
yourself, have said that even a mediocre composition can 
create a good impression if well conducted. It is in this 
sense that I offer you the rarest of all wishes — may every- 
thing remain as it is, may the moment abide, for ah ! it is 
so beautiful! All I ask of the coming year is that I may 
not prove unworthy of your priceless sympathy and your 

49 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

unfailing encouragement. Accept this wish as one of the 
myriads of other wishes with which you enter upon a new 
year of your life! 

"One of the 'Blissful Youths.' " * 

The birthday festivities at Tribschen were uncommonly 
beautiful this year. Frau Cosima had transformed the 
entire house into a flower garden and the four little girls 
— dressed alike in white, with wreaths of roses in their 
hair — were stationed at different places to represent living 
flowers. Frau Cosima with Siegfried on her lap, occupied 
the center of this tableau. At eight o'clock in the morning, 
the strains of the "Huldigungs March" came from the 
garden where was stationed a military band of forty-five 
pieces from the barracks in Lucerne. Frau Cosima, herself, 
had given them instructions in regard to the tempi and at 
first Wagner was so overcome that he was unable to utter 
a word, and Frau Cosima almost regretted having planned 
the poetic and romantic program. Daniela, the eldest of 
the four Biilow daughters, had conceived the pretty idea 
of liberating her five dearly beloved birds in honor of Uncle 
Richard's birthday. This formed one of the most charm- 
ing episodes of the day. After reciting a poem written 
for the occasion, Daniela opened the cage and four of the 
birds flew joyfully into the air. But the fifth, unaccus- 
tomed to freedom, at first refused to leave the cage and 
had to be taken out and placed on a bush in the garden. 
Later in the day, it must have fallen from its perch and 
been devoured by the dog. The children were not allowed 

* "Pater Seraphice," "Mystagogue," and the "Blissful Youths" are 
all expressions used by Goethe in the Finale of his "Fcmst." 

50 



Wagner's Birthday 

to learn anything of this little tragedy, but the fate of 
their feathered friend made a very mournful impression upon 
Wagner and Frau Cosima, the latter remarking that my 
brother might just as well have sent the Diirer "Melancholie" 
after all. But despite these clouds, the day was one long 
to be remembered, though with mingled feelings of sadness 
and joy, as is all that is precious in life. 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"My valued friend: 

"You will already have learned from a dear hand, how 
welcome the 'Blissful Youth' was to 'Pater Seraphice.' I 
know that you need no further assurance of this. You will 
also have heard of the blissful hours, which will live in my 
memory so long as I am capable of emotion. Therefore, I 
shall not tell you of all the "blessings" but rather speak of 
matters that require attention in quite another phase of life. 
This time, it is in regard to a letter from Bonf antini, written 
in Italian, to which I was obliged to reply in French, telling 
him that I would inform you of the agreement I have made 
with him in regard to the future correction of the proof- 
sheets of my autobiography. The man seems not to be 
getting on with the work at all, and is no doubt highly 
delighted at being able to shift the responsibility for his 
own dilatory methods to other shoulders. This he does 
by attributing it to the difficulty he has in communicating 
with a scholar so deeply engrossed as you are at times. I 
can understand this perfectly, but I am also mindful of the 
fact that I cannot continue to burden you in this way. I 
mentioned something of this kind to you in my last letter 

51 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

and I again earnestly beg you to consider yourself relieved 
of the burden of this responsibility. But whenever you 
happen to be passing the office of our Italian, you would 
greatly oblige me by looking in and inspecting the work of 
my manuscript. ... It is a curious circumstance that in 
the course of publishing this essentially Germanic auto- 
biography, I should be called upon to translate an Italian 
letter! 

"You need never think, my dearest friend, that you will 
ever be denied an insight into these pages for, as you know, 
it is you whom I have in mind as the custodian of these 
memoirs when I am dead and gone. Everything is going well 
here. Tomorrow, I expect to finish the sketches for the first 
act of "Siegfried" ("Gotterdammerung," — I meant to say!) 
Day after tomorrow, we celebrate my son's first birthday and 
at the same time, the anniversary of your first visit to us. 
May the stars look down benignly upon this twofold celebra- 
tion ! At the time it seemed to me as if you had brought good 
luck to my son. Since then, a year full of difficulties and yet 
one rich in joys has passed over our heads, and now it almost 
seems as if the constellation which watched over my birth — 
I mean, Taurus ! — is to be taken into the reckoning. All 
things come to him who waits ! I dare to hope that within 
a few months, the high-hearted mother of my son will become 
my wife. 

"Farewell, and be of good cheer, by that I mean not ac- 
cording to modern, but ancient Greek ideas ! 
"With heartfelt greetings, 

"Yours faithfully, 

"Tribschen, June 4, 1870. Richard Wagner." 

52 



Wagner's Birthday 

As has already been seen from passages in my brother's 
letters to Erwin Rohde, he was unremitting in his efforts 
to bring his dearest friends in closer touch with Wagner, and 
was never happier than when he was successful. Thus he 
writes to Gersdorff: ". . . . That you and I are agreed 
in our feelings for Richard Wagner, is the best of proof 
for me that there is a close bond of union between us. For 
this is not an easy matter, and great courage is required if 
one is not to be led astray by the hue and cry of the world. 
Moreover, one must be prepared to meet occasional honest 
and intelligent persons in the opposing party. Schopenhauer 
must help us to rise above this conflict, theoretically, just 
as Wagner, the artist, can give us practical aid. Two 
things I endeavor to keep ever before me. In the first place, 
that the incredible seriousness and the truly Germanic pro- 
fundity of Wagner's views of art and life, gushing forth 
from every tone of his music — is just as abhorrent to the 
majority at present, as is Schopenhauer's asceticism and 
negation of will. In the second place, Wagner's ideal art in 
which he shows a close affinity to Schiller, is especially 
detested by our 'Jews' — and you know what a far-reaching 
element this is — and these high-hearted conflicts from which 
is to emerge the 'day of the noble souls' — in other words, 
the chivalrous element — are repugnant to the plebeian 
political clamor of our day. Furthermore, I often find in 
persons of the most exceptional character a tendency to 
indolence, as if no individual effort or thorough-going study 
was demanded of them with a view to a better understanding 
of such an artist and such art-works. 

"What a joy it was to me then to learn that you had made 
a serious study of 'Opera and Drama'! I at once reported 

53 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

this to Wagner. My friends are no longer strangers to him 
and if after the first 'Meister 'singer' performance you wish to 
write a letter to R. W., I can assure you that it will be 
warmly welcomed. In the meantime, I will see to it that they 
are fully informed in regard to the author of the letter. It 
is also understood that when you come to pay me a visit, I 
am to take you over to Tribschen. 

"My life has been infinitely enriched by my intimate inter- 
course with such a genius. All the highest and most beauti- 
ful experiences of my life are associated with the names of 
Schopenhauer and Wagner, and I am both proud and happy 
to know that these views are shared by my nearest and 
dearest friend. Have you read 'Art and Polities' 1 ? I should 
also like to call your attention to a little essay by R. W. 
called 'On Conducting,' which may best be compared to the 
'Professor's Philosophy' of Schopenhauer." 

Baron von Gersdorff and Erwin Rohde were my brother's 
most intimate friends and in inviting them to Tribschen, 
Wagner said: ". . . Your brother is one of us, and his 

friends are our friends." The first to be introduced at Trib- 
schen was Erwin Rohde who stopped off in Basle on his way 
back from Italy in the spring of 1870. My mother and I 
were also there at the time and the four of us took a little trip 
to the Bernese Oberland, and upon our return Dr. Rohde 
was presented to Wagner and Frau Cosima. He made the 
best possible impression upon Wagner who said to me later : 
"Your brother and his friends are a wonderful new type 
of men, such as I had hitherto deemed impossible." In 
recalling this memorable visit, both Rohde and my brother 
never failed to speak of the "profound moments lived through 
in Tribschen." 

54 



Wagner's Birthday 

During this visit, the sensation created by my brother's 
new views upon the Greek soul was often the topic of con- 
versation, and he learned that the "Greek Music Drama" — 
the first of these two lectures — had only been read in part 
in Tribschen. 

Upon learning this, my brother carefully copied out the 
two lectures and presented them to Frau Cosima. She was 
delighted, expressing her gratitude in the most extravagant 
terms and referring to the fact that Wagner had reproached 
her for having drawn such premature conclusions under the 
stress of the moment, and before she had had time to grasp 
fully the ideas Nietzsche meant to convey. She wrote : 
". . . . How touched I am by the dedication of the two 
lectures you were kind enough to send me. Accept my 
warmest thanks for having vouchsafed me this great pleas- 
ure. I have now re-read the lecture on the music drama 
and can only repeat that I regard it as an invaluable 
vestibule to your Socrates structure. I could have spared 
myself the most unnecessary agitation at the time of the 
first reading had I known by what a warm pulsing descrip- 
tion of the Greek art works it had been preceded. Your 
broad-boughed tree is now rooted in the most glorious past, 
in the home-land of beauty, and proudly rears its head into 
the most beautiful dreams of the future. Many details 
which capitivated and stimulated me even during your read- 
ing are now indelibly stamped upon my mind. For instance, 
your comprehension of creation and evolution, of the 'Fanget 
an!' in art as well as in nature, and particularly, your 
views on the high consecration of the drama. Your thor- 
oughly trenchant characterization of the chorus as a sep- 
arate organism — an idea quite new to me — seems to me to 

55 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

furnish the only correct interpretation of the Greek drama. 
Moreover, the bold and striking analogy you draw between 
the religious dance of the chorus and the Beethoven 
Andantes, and between the English tragedy (you mean, of 
course, the Shakespearean) and the Allegros, has again 
demonstrated to me your deeply musical nature, and I think 
it not improbable that this striking musical instinct, has 
given you the key to the innermost secrets of the Greek 
tragedy, to suffering instead of action — just as if a person 
had been led through the Indian religion to the Schopen- 
hauerian philosophy. . . . With unqualified delight, I have 
placed the green Socrates side by side with the violet Homer, 
and both shall be cherished and nourished to the best of my 
ability until one of them, at least, shall be crowned in 
Bayreuth by the fulfillment of his hopes. . . . 

"You will write your book in Bayreuth and we will strive 
to do it honor. And even though I am only building castles 
in the air, I will nevertheless, cherish them as has never 
been done with any worldly good, that by so doing, their 
frail outlines may furnish a protecting roof for the growth 
of the magnificent plant, ever endangered by unfavorable 
weather and changes of temperature. 

"When once the 'Nibelung' is completed, the beautiful 
images will have performed their duty, let existing conditions 
be what they may. As a matter of fact, I should not know 
how to counterbalance the humiliation of the recent 'Wal- 
lriire > performance, were I not sustained by the thought of 
Bayreuth. 

"It is extremely gratifying to hear, especially in the 
beautiful way you express it — that you and your friend 
enjoyed your visit to Tribschen. These days will also live 

56 



Wagner's Birthday 

in our memory. The master was very much pleased with 
your friend, and both of us were deeply impressed by his 
manly seriousness, his sympathetic attitude, his unmis- 
takable feeling of friendliness for us which illuminated, at 
times, his somewhat austere features. Should he be called 
to the university of Freiburg, you must bring him often to 
Tribschen as 'zweieinig geht der Mensch zu best,' to quote 
our authority. 

"You left a melancholy souvenir of your last visit in the 
'Melancholie' of Diirer; this has been the theme of many of 
our conversations and we are agreed that Diirer must be 
regarded as the keystone of the Middle Ages, by reason of 
the fact that he permits 'the enigmatic, infinite symbolism of 
the Christian Church' as it were, to speak its last word. 
Not suspecting, or wilfully ignoring mere beauty of form 
and outline, he only reveals to us the sublime. Bach also 
belongs in this category, and both seem to me to be, not a 
beginning, but an end. . . ." 

When Hans Richter was expected in Tribschen, Wagner 
sent word to my brother that there was to be a regular 
musical feast, but that no special invitation would be sent 
him for fear of interfering with his university duties. Upon 
receiving this message, my brother sighed deeply as he knew 
that it would be impossible for him to avail himself of this 
treat, presumably, the "Gdtterdammerwng" music. 



57 



CHAPTER VII. 

war's alarms and quiet family festivities. 

LATE in June my mother returned to her home in 
Germany, but at my brother's urgent request, it was 
decided that I should remain in Basle. Letters and 
all sorts of greetings were exchanged between Basle and 
Tribschen, but my brother had sprained his ankle rather 
seriously and was therefore unable to accept any invitations. 
The execution of the Tribschen commissions devolved upon 
me, and it was I who answered Wagner's humorous appeal: 

"Fresh Holland herrings longed for in Tribschen. Would 
not Marie Walther be willing to come to the rescue, if she 
knew that thereby she would be saving the art-work of the 
future? Conductor Richter now installed at Tribschen. 
And the Professor? 

"Wagner." 

Here again was a veiled plea for my brother's society 
and as he still felt quite wretched and unfit for active work, 
we took advantage of the so-called "Bundeli Tag," a national 
holiday, to make a little pilgrimage to Lake Lucerne. 

In Lucerne we parted, my brother going to Tribschen 
and I to pay a promised visit to the mother of one of my 
brother's Basle colleagues, who owned a villa on the lake 
shore just across from Tribschen. 

Our field glasses were often turned upon the little pen- 

58 



War's Alarms and Quiet Family Festivities 

insula and one day someone came running in to say that a 
rowboat had just put off from the opposite bank, in which 
sat my brother and another man. I had gradually become 
sensible of the fact that the union of Wagner and Baroness 
von Biilow was not as innocent, as I, in my youth and 
ignorance, had always assumed it to be. The fact that 
Frau Cosima was constantly surrounded by her four little 
girls (the entire "Biilowiana", as Wagner jokingly called 
them!) lent an innocent aspect to the relationship and 
furthermore great stress was laid upon the sojourn in 
Switzerland as one necessitated by considerations of health. 

As my brother was evidently coming to fetch me and I 
had lost confidence in my own judgment, I appealed to my 
hostess to decide the matter for me. The reply of the 
aristocratic old lady was: "It is perfectly proper for you 
to go any place your brother sees fit to take you," an 
answer which indicated my brother's standing in these ex- 
clusive patrician circles. My heart was beating high as I 
sat in the boat Hans Richter was rowing back across the 
lake. I was received most cordially at the landing by 
Wagner and Frau Cosima, but just at first, I was somewhat 
confused at finding Wagner such a pigmy compared to 
Frau Cosima. I must admit that I was also unpleasantly 
impressed by the interior decorations of the old-fashioned 
country house, which consisted of rose-colored hangings and 
amorettes in lavish profusion, evidently designed by some 
Parisian meubleur. 

But I found Wagner and Baroness von Biilow delightful 
and the children fascinating, especially the little Siegfried 
of whose advent I had been kept in ignorance. I feel sure 
that a great weight fell from my brother's heart when this 

59 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

visit passed off so pleasantly, and without my having caused 
him any embarrassment by asking awkward questions. Even 
though this visit opened my eyes to the true relations existing 
between Wagner and Baroness von Biilow, nothing dimin- 
ished my admiration for them. Cosima's action in deserting 
Hans von Biilow seemed to me the most supreme sacrifice 
she could have made for the genius of Richard Wagner and 
his life-work. She must have sensed my sentiments, as she 
wrote to my brother: "I am overjoyed to have made your 
sister's acquaintance and to know that brother and sister 
entertain the same feelings towards me. Please share in 
my cordial and most heartfelt greetings and interpret them 
as an expression of my most genuine appreciation." 

Shortly after this visit, my brother and I went to the 
Axenstein and then on to the Maderan Valley. In the mean- 
time the war cloud had burst, creating indescribable con- 
fusion in Switzerland by the calling to the colors of in- 
numerable Germans and French who had come to Switzerland 
for a peaceful summer outing. Basle could not furnish 
night-quarters for all the men who were hurrying back to 
their respective countries. The waiting room at the station 
was crowded to overflowing and those who could not endure 
the stifling air considered themselves fortunate to be able 
to hire a cab for the night. (Everything just as it was at 
the beginning of the present war!) 

My brother was very much depressed at not being eligible 
for active service, but before accepting the call to the Basle 
university he had been compelled to expatriate himself. He 
sought consolation in intensive literary labors in this remote 
Alpine valley and wrote a dissertation on the "Diom>ysi&n\ 
Viewpoint" I remember quite distinctly that while he was 

60 



War's Alarms and Quiet Family Festivities 

reading this aloud to me one day, we were interrupted by 
several charges from an old cannon. The guests came 
rushing from all sides to know what was the matter and 
learned from our landlord (a physician who had studied in 
Germany) that "the Germans had had a glorious victory!" 
It was not long before the official communiques penetrated 
to our mountain solitude and the names of "Worth" and 
"Weisseriberg" were on every tongue. But there was also 
news of "heavy losses" and my brother turned as white as 
a sheet. For a long time he walked up and down on the 
terrace with Mosengel, a Hamburg painter, and finally ap- 
proached me with a solemn mien. I felt what was coming 
and tears sprang to my eyes : "Lisbeth, what would you do 
if you were a man?" — "Why, I should go to war, of course; 
it would make no difference about me — but you, Fritz!" — 
and I broke off into an uncontrollable fit of weeping. After 
quieting me, he explained that he felt it to be his duty to 
try and enlist for active service. Should the Swiss govern- 
ment not agree to this, he would then offer his services as a 
field nurse. We left at once for Basle, my brother having 
already sent in a written request to the Swiss Board of 
Education through Herr Vischer, one of the councilmen. 
Only a rough draft of this request has been preserved : "In 
view of the unexpected situation in which Germany now 
finds herself, you will not be surprised to learn of my de- 
cision to place my services at the disposal of the fatherland. 
It is for this purpose that I address myself to you with the 
request that you use your influence with the Board of 
Education in securing a leave of absence for me for the 
remaining weeks of the summer semester. My health is now 

61 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

so greatly improved that I feel myself unqualifiedly strong 
enough to serve either in the ranks, or as a field nurse. 

"Nowhere will my determination to throw the infinitesimal 
mite of my personal effort into the sacrificial box of the 
fatherland meet with readier sympathy and understanding 
than from a Swiss Board of Education. 

"Deeply conscious as I am of my Basle obligations, I feel 
that I could be held to these duties only by the most painful 
coercion, in the face of the powerful appeal Germany is 
making to every single one of her sons to perform his duty 
as a German, and that from now on my work, under these 
conditions, would have only a negligible value. And I should 
like to see a Swiss burgher who would feel himself bound by 
any such considerations if confronted by similar conditions." 
(The last sentence is crossed out.) 

This request was granted, but only under the condition 
that my brother volunteer as a field nurse, thus frustrating 
his own wish to enter the active service. On August 12 we 
started for home. Mosengel joined us in Lindau and the 
two proceeded to Erlangen where they were to take a course 
in nursing. 

On the way back to Basle my brother paid a flying visit 
to Tribschen, only remaining long enough to read his 
friends the above mentioned dissertation on the "Dionysian 
Viewpoint." His intention of participating in the war was 
only mentioned tentatively, as my brother knew full well 
that he would meet with vigorous opposition from Wagner 
and Frau Cosima, who argued that "this was not 1813, when 
young scholars like himself were called upon to organize a 
Liitzow corps." 

When they learned later that he had secured the permis- 

62 



War's Alarms and Quiet Family Festivities . 

sion of the Swiss government to serve his fatherland in the 
capacity of a field nurse, they became somewhat reconciled 
to the idea. Both of them felt, and not without justice, that 
the hideous reality of war would have a most injurious effect 
upon my tender-hearted brother, but agreed that "the sight 
of active suffering might be more endurable for him than 
the passive conception of this suffering." 

My brother was one of the few philosophers who not only 
understood the necessity of war but justified it. He always 
laid great stress upon its purifying, ennobling and elevating 
influence and it was at this time that he found the magnificent 
words descriptive of war: 

"Terrible is the sound of his silver bow, and, though he 
(the war-god) draws near like the night, he is, in reality, 
Apollo, the god of consecration and purification" 

While my brother was on his way to the theatre of war, 
a family festival was being celebrated in Tribschen. The 
marriage of Wagner to Frau Cosima von Biilow took place 
in Lucerne on the twenty-fifth of August, the only witnesses 
being the old family friends, Malvida von Meysenburg and 
Count and Countess Bassenheim, who had made their home 
in Lucerne for many years. Malvida later related that 
Wagner was in transports of joy at the thought that his 
domestic relations had at last been brought into conformity 
with the civil laws. His only regret was that my brother 
could not have been one of the witnesses at the wedding 
as he "knew of no one who would so rejoice over the matter." 
Wagner also confided to Malvida that his "beloved 
Nietzsche," who came from a family which could look back 
on generations of virtuous living, had "suffered unspeak- 
ably" over the irregular relations of Wagner's household. 

63 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

(And this was quite true, for as late as 1877, my brother, 
in speaking to me of one of his women friends, said: "All 
illegitimate relations are repugnant to me, because they 
necessitate so great a degree of subterfuge.") 

Wagner further said that the reason Nietzsche had "over- 
come his scruples in regard to associating with a family of 
such reprehensible morals, was because he regarded him 
(Wagner) and Frau Cosima as persons of extraordinary 
qualities which placed them far above the average, and con- 
sequently beyond the jurisdiction of all regulated domestic 
relations." 

On this point, Wagner was absolutely correct in his judg- 
ment of my brother, as throughout his writings he has given 
repeated expression to the thought that extraordinary 
persons are at liberty to adjust their personal relations 
according to their own standards, and that this was par- 
ticularly true of artists. He writes on this subject: "Our 
artists lead a freer, more unconventional and honest life and 
the most striking example we have, I mean Richard Wagner, 
proves to us that genius need not fear to take an inimically 
hostile attitude towards existing social forms and laws, if 
by so doing he is endeavoring to disclose the still higher 
truth and law dwelling in him." 

Again and again my brother emphasized the thought that 
the rights and privileges claimed by a man should be in 
relation to the obligations he thereby assumed and the tasks 
he felt himself equal to perform. Uncommon works and 
deeds were thus to furnish justification for those uncommon 
persons who placed themselves outside the pale of the moral 
code. But my brother regarded it as a terrible responsibility 
for a man to assume, and protested that he should never 

64 



War's Alarms and Quiet Family Festivities 

lose sight of the fact that the hour and the day would surely 
come when the works and the life of these immortals would 
be strictly weighed in the balance. Fortunate would then 
be those, who by virtue of the real greatness of their work 
and conduct, would be able to banish from the memory of 
the world everything that was unsavory and paltry ! Fur- 
thermore, my brother always manifested the strongest 
sympathy for men of strong will power even though they 
were not geniuses. For such men he had no virtuous advice, 
but rather spoke to them in the words of Richard Dehmel's 
beautiful poem: "First seize — then suffer!" 

It would be unjust to my brother did I not add here that, 
despite his tolerance, he found it unnecessary for persons of 
the highest order of talent and strength to disregard social 
laws and traditions. On the contrary, he believed that such 
laws and traditions threw the strongest protection around 
peculiarly conditioned natures, liberating them from the 
petty struggles and annoyances of everyday life, and en- 
abling them to rise higher in the realm of the spirit. 

He, himself, furnishes the most striking example of his 
own theory, a fact recognized by Wagner, who out of con- 
sideration for my brother's well-known sentiments and moral 
scruples, took great pains to conceal from him much that 
was reprehensible in his own life during the years prior to 
their friendship. It has always been my firm conviction 
that it was considerations of this nature which influenced 
Wagner in relieving my brother from the arduous task of 
reading the proof-sheets of his autobiography, as he knew 
that much therein revealed would be offensive to Nietzsche's 
fastidious tastes. At other times, my brother's chastity 
seemed to irritate Wagner, and he would suddenly break 

65 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

forth into the coarsest and most objectionable expressions 
concerning himself and Frau Cosima. 

But on the whole, he was keenly sensitive to my brother's 
thinly-disguised disgust, and when he had gone too far in one 
of these outbursts, would proceed to indulge in recrimina- 
tions against himself and his incurable tendency of making 
vulgar jokes. No one could be more lovable than Wagner 
when he made the effort, and as he made a point of showing 
his best qualities to my brother, the latter had only an 
idealized picture of Wagner's life and character. 

While the nuptial festivities were being celebrated in 
Tribschen, my brother completed his course of training at 
the Society of the Field-Diaconate in Erlangen and was 
sent to the front as a confidential messenger and leader of 
a sanitary unit. Large sums of money were intrusted to 
him and so many messages of an intimate personal nature, 
that he often had to make his way from ambulance to ambu- 
lance, and from hospital to hospital, under a rain of bullets, 
stopping as occasion demanded to receive the last words of 
dying men. No one knows what a strain this was upon my 
brother's sympathies, but it is a curious fact that despite 
the strong mental agitation resulting from the painful im- 
pressions received on the battle-field, his mind remained nor- 
mally active. He tells us that "under the very walls of 
Metz," he found himself "brooding over the enigmatic prob- 
lems" contained in the first of the two above-mentioned 
lectures. These were later developed into the larger work: 
"The Birth of Tragedy," and it was in the same surround- 
ings that he received the first impressions for his chief work : 
"Will to Power." 

He told me that once after a day of heart-breaking ex- 

66 



War's Alarms and Quiet Family Festivities 

periences, he saw several regiments of our marvellous German 
cavalry rush by to almost certain death on the field of battle. 
Superb in their vigor and courage, these men conveyed the 
impression of a race that is born to conquer, to rule, or — 
to die. It was then that he was made to feel deeply for the 
first time, that the strongest and highest will to live does 
not reach its fullest expression in a miserable struggle for 
existence, but in the will to conflict, the will to power and 
superiority. This feeling, no doubt, was experienced by 
thousands and thousands of other Germans at that time, but 
the eye of a philosopher sees things in a different light and 
his perceptive faculties are so sharpened by a certain chain 
of events that he derives from them quite a different set of 
conclusions than do the rank and file. 

With these thoughts in his mind, how different must he 
have felt towards Schopenhauer's much-glorified feeling of 
sympathy, when compared with this magnificent spectacle 
of will to life, will to conflict and will to power. Here he 
came face to face with conditions in which men feel the 
strongest impulses and dictates of their own conscience to 
be identical with their highest ideals ; he found this spirit 
aroused not only in those engaged in carrying out these de- 
signs, but, above all, in the commanders-in-chief themselves. 
He now became convinced that a great military leader has 
the right to sacrifice his fellow men, if, by so doing, he can 
achieve the highest aims — in fact, he conceived this to be 
the positive duty of generals, no less than of the intellectual 
leaders of humanity, and of all great inventors in the suc- 
cessful prosecution of their plans. 

An account of his experiences on the battlefield and the 
disastrous effect upon his health, was sent by my brother 

67 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

to Tribschen in reply to the letter containing news of events 
there. 

Friedrich Nietzsche to Richard Wagner. 

"Dear and revered master: 

And so your house has been firmly established in the midst 
of the storm. Although far from home, I have often thought 
of this and never without calling down heart-felt blessings 
upon you both. I was overjoyed to learn from your dear 
wife, for whom I cherish the deepest affection, that the pos- 
sibility of celebrating this event came quite suddenly, at 
least, much earlier than you had any reason to expect when 
I saw you last. 

"You know what a powerful and irresistible current tore 
me away from you and prevented me from being an eye- 
witness of this solemn and long-hoped-for consummation of 
your wishes. For the time being, my activity has unfor- 
tunately been interrupted by illness. My manifold duties 
and commissions took me as far as Metz where Mosengel, 
my highly esteemed friend, and I were able to discharge our 
task successfully. In Ars sur Moselle we were placed in 
charge of an ambulance of wounded men who were being 
sent back to Germany. This close contact with severely 
wounded men for three days and nights marked the climax of 
my activities. Only wretched cattle cars were available for 
the transport and in one of these were six sufferers of whom 
I had sole charge. All of them had pulverized bones, some 
had as many as four wounds, and my diagnosis established 
two cases of diphtheria. In looking back upon this expe- 
rience, it seems nothing short of a miracle that I was able 

68 



War's Alarms and Quiet Family Festivities 

to eat and sleep in this pestilential atmosphere. But I had 
scarcely delivered my transport in Karlsruhe, than alarming 
symptoms of a complete breakdown made themselves notice- 
able, and it was only by a supreme effort that I was able to 
get as far as Erlangen and make a report to my organiza- 
tion. That accomplished, I went to bed and am still not 
able to be up. A very competent physician pronounced my 
trouble to be dysentery and diphtheria, and as vigorous 
measures were taken for getting these two contagious dis- 
eases under control, I am already on the way to recovery. 
So you can see that I am making the simultaneous acquaint- 
ance of two of the most dread hospital diseases, the effect of 
which has been so weakening, that I shall be obliged to give 
up all thought of resuming my relief work for the time being. 
After a brief four weeks' period of activity for the general 
good, I am again thrown back upon myself — in a wretched 
plight to boot ! 

"I do not like to say a word about the German victories ; 
these are like the handwriting on the wall, which should be 
intelligible to all nations. 

"I am forbidden to write more today ; my next letter will 
be to your wife at whose feet I lay my most heartfelt good 
wishes. Good luck, also to the newly christened son ! Good 
luck to the entire Tribschen household! 
"Yours faithfully, 

"Friedrich Nietzsche." 

From the close of this letter, it will be seen that christen- 
ing ceremonies had also taken place in Tribschen. Siegfried, 
who was already fifteen months old, was given the official 
name of Helferich Siegfried Richard. The only witnesses 

69 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

were Dr. and Mrs. Willis, old friends of Wagner's from the 
Zurich days. In describing this event, Wagner humorously 
wrote: "Siegfried, called 'Fidi,' did not behave very well." 
It seems that he babbled to himself all during the pastor's 
exhortation and at the great moment when "The Holy Ghost 
was about to descend upon him," began to whimper dis- 
tressingly. But Frau Cosima ignored those trifles and wrote 
in an exalted strain to the effect that "at all events, he is 
now a Christian and even though he did not give our good 
pastor much pleasure, it is to be hoped that he will remain 
true to the Saviour to the end of his life." 

Whenever Cosima indulged in pathos of this sort, Wagner 
usually applied a counteractant in the shape of some sar- 
castic, atheistic remark, which never failed to give offense 
to my brother. For however free and unprejudiced he was 
in his own views upon religion, my brother possessed too 
much tact willfully to hurt others. As a matter of fact, 
his own extremely liberal views were not generally known 
at that time. 

In later years, he was very bitter about Wagner's sudden 
coversion to a somewhat aggressive Christianity as he sus- 
pected this of having been done for unworthy and self- 
interested motives. But I distinctly remember a remark he 
made to me in this connection to the effect that "a somewhat 
romantic Christianity would make Wagner happier and 
bring him more into harmony with his true nature," and in 
a private document written three years later, he declared 
that "Wagner is a modern and is, therefore, not able to 
encourage and fortify himself by his belief in God. In fact, 
he does not believe in the guiding hand of a good spirit, but 

70 



War's Alarms and Quiet Family Festivities 

believes only in himself. No one can be wholly honest with 
himself if he believes only in himself." 

As soon as my brother was able to travel he was moved 
in easy stages from Erlangen to Naumburg, but he never 
fully recovered from the intense strain his nervous system 
had undergone and from the disastrous effects strong medi- 
cines had wrought upon his hitherto splendid digestive 
organs. Our dear mother often said that she only marvelled 
that he had not died from the medicines if not from the 
diseases. Influenced by his strong sense of duty and by 
love for his scientific work, he placed too much confidence 
in his naturally robust constitution and made the mistake 
of returning to Basle at the beginning of November, al- 
though he was by no means in a condition to resume his 
university work. 

While all this was happening, Wagner had finished his 
essay on "Beethoven" the manuscript of which he sent to 
my brother with heartfelt greetings and received in reply 
the following letter: 

Friedrick Nietzsche to Richard Wagner. 

"Most revered master! 

"In the first onrush of the opening semester, made particu- 
larly strenuous this year by reason of my long absence, 
nothing more stimulating could have happened to me than 
to receive a copy of your 'Beethoven. 3 How much it has 
meant to me to become acquainted with your philosophy of 
music — which is as much as to say, with the philosophy of 
music — I could prove to you by an article I wrote last 
summer on the 'Dionysian Point of View.' 

71 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

"Indeed it was by the aid of this study that I am enabled 
to grasp your arguments fully and to enjoy them pro- 
foundly, however far removed is your range of thought, 
however surprising and amazing is everything you have 
to say, especially the explication of Beethoven's real achieve- 
ment. And yet I fear that the asstheticians of our day 
will regard you as a somnabulist whom it would not only be 
unadvisable, but positively dangerous, to follow, were such 
a thing possible. Even the majority of the cognoscenti 
(students) of the Schopenhauerian philosophy will find 
difficulty in translating into concrete concepts the profound 
harmony between your ideas and those of your great master. 

"For this reason I regard your essay as 'published and 
yet not published,* as Aristotle said of his esoteric writings. 
I like to dwell upon the thought that it is chiefly those to 
whom the message of Tristan has been revealed, who will 
be able to follow Wagner, the philosopher, and I, therefore, 
consider the capacity for a genuine appreciation of your 
work as a priceless distinction bestowed only upon the select 
few (here a large part of the letter has been torn off). 
"Your grateful and faithful, 

"Basle, Nov. 10. "Fkiedrich Nietzsche. 

"Luther Day." 

This letter affords one of the most touching proofs of 
my brother's unfailing tact and courtesy towards Wagner. 
Instead of reminding him that while making a visit in 
Tribschen on his way back from the mountains, he had read 
aloud his lecture on the "Dionysian Viewpoint," — he pre- 
tends to have quite forgotten this incident, in order that 
Wagner might not be embarrassed by the suggestion that he 

72 



War's Alarms and Quiet Family Festivities 

had appropriated some of the ideas contained in my brother's 
unpublished work and made use of them in his own essay on 
"Beethoven." 

It is barely possible that under the stress of the war my 
brother may have really forgotten having acquainted 
Wagner with the contents of his new treatise, but it is 
scarcely believable that this would have slipped his mind 
a second time when he was writing the above letter. The 
circumstance that a large part of the letter is missing, 
would seem to support the theory that my brother had made 
some allusion to the matter. 

There was a time, when misinformed Wagner admirers 
intimated that Nietzsche owed some of his outstanding ideas 
to Wagner, but any unprejudiced reader of Wagner's 
literary work of this period must have noticed that this 
was not at all the case, and that on the contrary, Nietzsche's 
influence upon Wagner was unmistakable from the very be- 
ginning of their friendship. When Wagner, for example, 
in his essay: "On the Destiny of Opera," speaks of the com- 
promise between the Apollonian and Dionysian art in the 
Greek tragedy, it is easy to see that this thought was bor- 
rowed from my brother. And to be perfectly just to Wag- 
ner, he never attempted to deny this. 

As early as the spring of 1870, when my brother and Er- 
win Rohde were paying a visit in Tribschen, this theme of the 
Apollonian and Dionysian influence was frequently discussed, 
and it is to this that Rohde alludes in a letter dated May 
28, 1870: ". . . . I have read with keen interest Wagner's 
essay, 'On the Destiny of the Opera,' and at times, I fancied 
I could detect your voice, dear friend, coming from the 

73 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

prompter's box, particularly when Greek drama was under 
discussion." 

As my brother has been with us in Naumburg until late 
in November, he accepted the pressing invitation to spend 
the Christmas holidays in Tribschen, and wrote us from 
there : "... I am as well off here as it is possible to be, and 
we have had delightful Christmas days. Frau Wagner's 
birthday festivities on the twenty-fifth of December were 
perfect and deserving of a detailed description. The 
'Tribschen Idyll,'' as Wagner's wondrously beautiful sym- 
phonic movement is called, is one of the most exquisite 
works in all musical literature. The musicians were just 
as enthusiastic as we were about it." 

Wagner had planned this composition as a birthday sur- 
prise for his wife. Surreptitious rehearsals were held in 
Lucerne with a small but excellent orchestra and my brother 
was the only one admitted into the secret. 

Wagner telegraphed him: "If you would care to hear the 
last rehearsal meet me at the Hotel du Lac at three o'clock, 
but announce your arrival (in Tribschen) ostentatiously 
for five." 

The musicians arrived at Tribschen early in the morning 
of the twenty-fifth and were stationed on the staircase lead- 
ing to the upper storey, so that Cosima might be awakened 
by strains as enchanting as if they came from the music of 
the spheres. Her particular name for this composition was 
the "Blissful Morning Dream Melody." 

"Es war ein schoner Morgentraum 
Woran zu denken wag' ich kaum." 

74 



War's Alarms and Quiet Family Festivities 

It was christened the "Staircase Music" by the children 
as the position of the musicians appealed to their imagina- 
tions, and this was the title used by all the intimates of the 
house. To the musical world, it is known under the name 
of the "Siegfried Idyll." 



75 



CHAPTER VIII. 

VAEIOUS JOURNEYINGS- (1871). 

MY brother resumed work on his big Greek disserta- 
tion at the beginning of 1871. It was impossible 
for him to make use of all the material on hand 
and the selective process had to be rigorously applied before 
he could begin the task of "bringing the book together." 
As yet there was no relation between this work as projected 
and the new art of Richard Wagner. 

Scarcely was he launched in this great undertaking than 
he was obliged to call a halt, owing to the fact that his 
premature resumption of his university duties had given 
rise to new and alarming symptoms; jaundice and intestinal 
inflammation had set in and he was further tormented by 
insomnia. The family at Tribschen was very much de- 
pressed by the news as he had been counted upon as a regular 
week-end visitor and it was on his account that the series of 
chamber music evenings (Beethoven Quartettes) to be given 
under the direction of Hans Richter had been set for Satur- 
days and Sundays. All this had now to be renounced ; "Must 
it be?" asked my brother in the beautiful strain from 
Beethoven's F Major Quartette, and unrelenting necessity 
gave back the answer: "It must be!" 

Prof. Liebermeister was already very much dissatisfied 
with my brother for having curtailed his period of con- 

76 



Various Journeyings (1871) 

valescence and now ordered him to take a long leave of 
absence to be spent at some point on the Italian lakes, fur- 
ther prescribing that his "cheerful little sister" accompany 
him as travelling companion and nurse. Only delaying our 
departure until my brother could pay a farewell visit in 
Tribschen, we went directly to Lugano where we had an 
ideal sojourn. At the Hotel du Pare we made the ac- 
quaintance of the brother of Field Marshal von Moltke, who 
with his wife and daughters, was also wintering at this resort. 
We were constantly in the company of this delightful family, 
and Frau Cosima wrote that she "envied us the brother."' 

Patriotism ran high at Tribschen as Wagner expected 
that a German victory would also mean a victory for his 
art and he was already at work on his "Kaiser March" 
The children soon picked up the melody of the folk-song 
used in this work and the house re-echoed to the jubilant 
strains of "Hail the Kaiser," much to the displeasure of 
Cosima's mother who was spending the winter in Tribschen. 
According to Wagner, the Princess d'Agoult possessed in 
the highest degree the beautiful French characteristic of 
"heroic frivolity," but notwithstanding this she was fanat- 
ically French in her sympathies. 

We returned in April, somewhat sooner than we had ex- 
pected, as Wagner had written us that they would start 
out on their big concert tour about the middle of the month 
and my brother was bent upon seeing them before they left. 
He wished very much to read them parts of his new Greek 
manuscript intended as a sort of Vol. I. to the complete 
work, which he hoped to get ready for the printers during 
their absence. I travelled through to Basle, leaving my 
brother at Tribschen where his sensitive nature was 

77 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

deeply wounded by perceiving that Wagner expected this 
work, in some way, to be a glorification of his own art. 
Despite my brother's enthusiasm for Wagner and his art, 
his scholar's conscience revolted at the thought of uniting 
so many diverse elements in a book that was to bear the 
title of "Greek Cheerfulness." But again, consideration 
for his friend won the day, and no sooner had he returned 
to Basle than he set about re-writing the work, that is to 
say, he eliminated several chapters and confined himself 
strictly to the discussion of Greek tragedy, as it was only 
in this way that any justifiable reason could be found for 
introducing allusions to Wagner's art. 

The manuscript was ready for the printers by the 
twentieth of April and was sent off to Engelmann of Leipzig 
who had expressed a wish to publish the work. 

In the meantime, Wagner and Frau Cosima had started 
on their tour through Germany and had visited Augsburg 
and Bayreuth. In the latter city they inspected the old 
rococo theatre, hoping to find that it could be utilized for 
the production of the Wagner's music dramas, and it was 
during this visit that the incredibly bold and daring plan 
of erecting a special Festival Theatre was first broached. 
After a visit to Berlin, where Wagner was invited to address 
the Academy on the theme, "The Destiny of the Opera," 
they proceeded to Leipzig to pay a visit to Wagner's rela- 
tives, the Brockhaus family. It was not without serious 
misgivings that Frau Cosima set out on this trip, but she 
was happily spared all of the anticipated unpleasant ex- 
periences. 

Upon their return, we received a pressing invitation to 
spend the Whitsuntide holidays at Tribschen and these days 

78 



Various Journeymgs (1871) 

will ever be cherished among my most beautiful memories. 
I remember well the last evening of our stay ! The moon had 
risen clear and full over the snow fields of Mount Titlis, 
while the sun's last rays still touched the peak. As the 
glow of the sun was gradually blended into the silvery light 
of the moon, the picturesque outlines of the mountains be- 
came more delicately transparent until they almost seemed 
spiritualized. Our conversation ceased and we relapsed into 
a dreamy silence. We four (five, in fact, counting Russ, an 
important member of the family) wandered along the so- 
called "Robber's Path" close to the water's edge. Frau 
Cosima and my brother went ahead, followed by the splendid, 
coal-black Newfoundland, who also seemed alive to the im- 
pressiveness of the hour, and Wagner and I brought up the 
rear of this little procession. Cosima was wearing a semi- 
negligee of rose-colored cashmere, with broad revers of real 
lace falling to the hem of the garment, and upon her arm 
hung a large flower-trimmed hat of Florentine straw. 
Wagner was in his habitual costume worn by the Netherlands 
painters, black satin knee trousers, black velvet jacket, black 
silk stockings and a light blue satin cravat falling over a 
shirt of fine linen and real lace. The familiar velvet barret 
was posed upon his luxuriant brown hair. Even now, after 
all these years, I can visualize the scene and see the light 
falling through the trees upon the four figures as we silently 
walked along looking out over the sea of glistening silver. 
As we listened to the soft lapping of the waves, each one of 
us heard the song of his own thoughts sounding out of this 
sweet monotonous melody as if some magic horn were send- 
ing forth a piercingly sweet echo. The goal of our wander- 
ings was the so-called Hermitage, a pavilion built of birch- 

79 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

bark on the highest elevation of the estate. From this 
vantage point, we were afforded a magnificent view of the 
surrounding mountain peaks, now thrown into sharp relief 
by the bright moonlight. 

Gradually the spell of silence was lifted and Wagner, 
Frau Cosima and my brother began to speak of the tragedy 
of human life, of the Greeks, of the Germans and of their 
mutual plans and wishes. Never in my whole life, either 
before or since, have I heard such marvellous harmony in 
the conversation of three persons so fundamentally different. 
Each one had his own strong personal note, his own theme 
which was sharply emphasized, but withal, the whole was 
like some wondrously beautiful symphony. Each one of 
these three rare natures was at its best, each shone in its 
own brilliancy and yet no one of the three was overshadowed 
by the others. Never shall I forget these indescribable 
hours ! 

During the summer, Baron von Gersdorff, who had re- 
turned safe and sound from the war, paid my brother a visit 
in Basle and was taken over to Tribschen where he made the 
best possible impression. He was one of the "Patrons" of 
the Bayreuth undertaking, and, at my brother's suggestion, 
had already written to Wagner. Cosima wrote of him: 
"He made an excellent impression upon us both and we 
welcome him as one of the 'Patrons.' We find united in 
him all the best traits of the Prussian character, in the 
highest sense of the term, and we hope that this may be the 
beginning of a life-long friendship." 

During that summer there were many guests in Tribschen, 
among them the men who were interested in the organization 
of the so-called "Patronat" and the Wagner Society, by 

80 



Various Joumeyvngs (1871) 

which the Bayreuth undertaking was to be financed. Now 
that the domestic life of the Wagners had been brought into 
conformity with the world's moral code, all of the old friends 
and acquaintances flocked to Tribschen, as a result of which 
my brother felt himself relieved of some of the obligations 
he had felt towards his friends during the period of their 
comparative seclusion. 

And it must be admitted that my brother welcomed this 
respite, as despite his great affection for Wagner, he was 
keenly sensible of the strong influence exerted upon him by 
the master. 



81 



CHAPTER IX. 



CAEES AND JOYS (1871). 



WE spent the summer in the charming little resort 
of Gimmelwald near Lauterbrunn, my brother re- 
turning to Naumburg with me as his leave of 
absence had been extended until the end of the autumn 
vacation. He had been greatly concerned during the summer 
about the publication of his Greek work which seemed 
destined to cause him much disappointment and anxiety. 
After waiting for a long time for an answer from Engel- 
mann, the publisher, my brother learned that the reader of 
the firm had been thrown into "mild shivers" by the book. 
Irritated by this news and impatient at the delay, he took 
the book out of Engelmann's hands, although it later trans- 
pired that the latter had not been unwilling to publish the 
work. 

Erwin Rohde and Baron von Gersdorff who had come to 
Naumburg on a birthday visit, finally persuaded my brother 
to go with them over to Leipzig and try Wagner's publisher, 
who could certainly have no objection to the work on the 
ground that it dealt with such modern problems as those 
raised by Wagner's own art. According to my brother, the 
two friends fairly "dragged'* him to this publisher, E. W. 
Fritzsch, who after some hesitation agreed to publish the 

82 



Cares and Joys (1871) 

book. Wagner was greatly surprised to hear of this and 
disagreeably so, as it would seem from the following letter: 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"My dear and valued friend! 

"I beg of you to let me know the real reasons which in- 
fluenced you in placing a work I regard so highly and from 
which I expect so much, in the hands of a music publisher 
like Fritzsch. My sincere friendship for you prompts me 
to make this inquiry. The fact that you have broken with 
Engelmann gives rise to all sorts of surmises and it is out 
of genuine interest in your welfare that I ask for confidential 
information on the subject. For fear that you may inter- 
pret this as due to a certain hesitancy on my part in regard 
to Fritzsch, I herewith assure you that this is not the case, 
and that my solicitation in the matter is to be attributed 
solely to my concern about your making a highly creditable 
and significant literary debut. 

"I beg you to place the most friendly interpretation upon 
my motives and accept my heartfelt greetings ! 

"Yours 

"Tribschen, Oct. 16, 1871. Richard Wagner." 

After my brother had explained the situation to Wagner, 
the latter wrote warm words of recommendation to Fritzsch 
to which reference is made in the following letter: 

Friedrich Nietzsche to Richard Wagner. 

"Most revered master: 

"News reached me today from our Fritzsch in Leipzig 
who has kept me in a state of complete mystification by his 

83 



Tlie Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

long silence. I did not know what was expected of me, and 
it is only now I learn that, even before receiving your words 
of recommendation, he had turned the manuscript over to 
one of his staff for critical judgment and this man, who 
seems to have been a sad procrastinator, did not return it 
until Nov. 16. 

"Now I hear that the printing is to be rushed as rapidly as 
possible and Fritzsch makes me the most reassuring promises 
in regard to the book. There is one passage in his letter 
which you will have to explain to me. He says: 'In the 
meantime you will have thought over the question of the 
financial arrangement and it is possible that Herr Wagner 
may have made some suggestions to you in regard to this.'' 

"If you were here you would find me almost buried under 
a pile of ponderous tomes from which I am brewing a Latin 
epigraph for my students, or surrounded by hundreds of 
volumes of Plato, by the aid of which I hope to initiate my 
hearers into the study of this philosopher. Whenever I raise 
my head from this mountain of books, I immediately hear 
something that is taking place in Bologna, or is up for 
discussion in the city council of Bayreuth, or the Academy 
calls attention to itself by sending me an essay by Franz 
Hueffer, the pseudo-Englishman, or a review of Fuchs' 
'Preliminaries of the Art of Music,'' or my eye falls upon an 
astounding advertisement signed by my friend Gersdorff, 
etc. In short, I only need to listen with half an ear in 
order to remain fully informed as to your movements and 
all the external tokens of your existence. 

"I hold my last visit to Tribschen in affectionate re- 
membrance and realize full well how much I owe to my 

84 



Cares and Joys (1871) 

good geniuses ; not long ago, I offered up a libation with 
a bottle of red wine, pronouncing the spoken words 
Xaipere Aal/ioves. This solemn ceremony took place simul- 
taneously in Basle, Kiel and Berlin and it is safe to say 
that each one of us had you in mind, for what could we ask 
of our good geniuses and what do we owe them, which is 
not closely and intimately associated with your name! 
"Yours faithfully, 
"Basle, Nov. 18, 1871. Friedrich Nietzsche." 



Having reached a satisfactory agreement with Fritzsch, 
my brother felt himself at liberty to proceed more boldly 
in the matter of introducing ideas relative to Wagner and 
his art-works into his book on Greek tragedy. Much new 
material was added to the manuscript, and writing to Rohde 
on this subject, he said: ". . . You will doubtless be greatly 
surprised by the entire last part of the work which is un- 
familiar to you. I have ventured much in making these 
changes and would be justified, to a tremendous degree, in 
calling out to myself: Animam salvavi. This gives me 
courage to think of my manuscript with deep satisfaction, 
and I do not allow myself to entertain any misgivings, al- 
though it has turned out as offensive as possible and I seem 
already to hear the 'shrieks of indignation' that will go up 
from certain quarters when it is published." 

Even at this time, my brother intimated to me that certain 
of his own ideas had been suppressed out of deference of 
Wagner. He also wrote to Rohde: ". . . No one can form 
the faintest conception of the genesis of such a work, of the 

85 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

trouble and torment it is to keep one's self from being cor- 
rupted by other ideas pressing in from all sides: of the 
courage required in conceiving and carrying out one's own 
ideas, and above all, in this particular case, of the tremen- 
dous obligations I felt towards Wagner and which, to be 
perfectly frank with you, caused me much inward con- 
trition." 

In justice to Wagner, it must be stated that he had only 
a vague idea as to the extent he and his art were to figure 
in my brother's book. Before going to Naumburg and 
Leipzig, my brother had paid a visit to Tribschen, where 
nothing was discussed but the unsuccessful negotiations with 
Engelmann, as Fritzsch had not yet entered upon the scene. 
My brother had consistently refrained from any further 
mention of his intention of amplifying or altering the manu- 
script out of deference to Wagner, and had charged me 
in particular not to divulge the secret. Wagner was, there- 
fore, left in complete ignorance of the revisions as well be 
seen from his next letter: 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"Most valued friend ! 

"Fritzsch has not given me the slightest intimation of 
anything I was to impart to you, and I am inclined to 
believe that the passage you quote was only used as a means 
of shifting his own embarrassment on the subject to your 
shoulders. My own pecuniary relations to Fritzsch were 
determined, quite accidentally, by the opportune appearance 
of my quasi-festival essay on Beethoven, and by the tre- 

86 



Cares and Joys (1871) 

mendous sensation created by my essay on the Jews, which 
would naturally react favorably upon my other publications 
and justify expectations of an immediate and rapid sale. 
Much will depend upon your ideas in regard to the sale of 
your book. If you are confident of good results, you will 
be guided by my views, well-known to you, as to the rela- 
tion between the size of the edition and the corresponding 
terms of payment in making your arrangements with 
Fritzsch. 

"In any case it would be advisable to have a complete 
agreement on this point so that the relations would be de- 
termined once for all, so soon as anything had been accepted 
for publication and that quite regardless of the 'business' 
success. You will find this a much better plan than having 
it made to appear, each time an agreement is reached (as 
was the case with me!) that never before since the world 
was created had a book been accepted for publication. 

"Good luck to epigraphs and Plato ; the latter is also be- 
ing studied in Tribschen. We are all fairly well and send 
cordial greetings. 

"Yours, 
"Nov. 21, '71. Richard Wagner." 

Amusingly enough, my brother was also engaged in com- 
posing that autumn. He had been made very happy by the 
reunion with his friends in Naumburg and Leipzig, and was 
now endeavoring to give concrete expression to these feel- 
ings in a musical composition dedicated to the "Memory of 
Our Happy Autumn Vacation." This work brought him 
into contact with a very clever copyist, in reduced circum- 

87 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

stances, whom he endeavored to help by recommending him 
to Wagner. This effort was unsuccessful as will be seen 
from the following letter: 



Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"Most valued friend! 

"At present my roof shelters a Brandenburg singing 
teacher from Zurich, to whom I am paying a terrifying 
salary for copying out my difficult manuscript. Moved to 
compassion by your letter, I have given much thought to 
the matter and tried to find some way of rescuing this worthy 
Suabian from the lion's den, but just as soon as the most 
urgent copy has been sent off, I shall have no further use 
for such a musician until I am ready with the instrumenta- 
tion. That will not be before next summer, and I am not in 
a position, therefore, to help the poor man other than by 
a small gift of money and will ask you to hand him twenty 
francs in my name and charge this sum to my account. My 
wife has written you today of our Mannheim adventure. 
May we not cherish the hope that you will join us? . . . 

"My hopes are placed in Nietzsche if only Fritzsch 
serves him as he should. During the last few days, my 
gaze wandered from Genelli's 'Dionysius among the Muses' 
to your last work (that is to say, in so far as I am 
acquainted with it!) with a feeling of the most genuine 
astonishment. It was as if some oracle had revealed a mes- 
sage to me. It is a singular, in fact a marvellous coincidence, 
this thing of seeing my own life, as it were, reproduced in 
your thoughts as you here portray them. 

"Can you not get away some Saturday before we leave, 

88 



Cares and Joys (1871) 

which will be about the ninth of December? That would be 
delightful. As you know, I no longer give you a definite 
invitation and, therefore, you are spared all embarrassment 
in case you do not come. 

"With cordial greetings. 

"Yours 
"Nov. 26, '71. R. W." 

At the beginning of December, Wagner set out on another 
trip through Germany to win new friends for his cause, and 
also to push the preliminary work in Bayreuth. One of his 
chief objectives was Mannheim, where the first of the series 
of big concerts for the benefit of the Wagner Society was 
to be given under his personal direction. My brother and 
his two most intimate friends had planned to hold a reunion 
here as a means of expressing their devotion to Wagner, 
but at the last moment, my brother was the only one able 
to be present. 

A vivid description of those Mannheim days was given 
by Karl Heckel in the course of a lecture delivered by him at 
the Nietzsche Archives in Weimar in October, 1913. Among 
other things he said: ". . . It was in December, 1871, only 
eight days before Christmas. The clock pointed to midnight 
and the city lay wrapped in sleep. The only signs of life 
were in and around the railway station, where friends called 
out cheery greetings to each other, enviously watched by 
groups of curious bystanders. The train from the east was 
eagerly awaited and as it came steaming into the station, a 
small, quaint-looking figure descended to the platform and 
was greeted by the waiting crowd with 'Three cheers for 
Richard Wagner! Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah!' 

89 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

" 'Herr Jesses !' cried the newcomer in a pronounced Saxon 
dialect, 'do you take me for a prince !' 

"His first greetings were for the numerous members of the 
newly-organized Wagner Society, to whom he related that 
the day before he had inspected the building site offered to 
him by the city of Bayreuth for the Festival Theatre, and 
that the announcement of the Mannheim concert had greatly 
increased public confidence in the Bayreuth undertaking. 
Shortly after Wagner had made his triumphal entry, the 
train from Lucerne arrived bringing Frau Wagner from 
Tribschen. She left the train on the arm of a young man of 
middle height, with dark brown hair, large mustachios, and 
the high, broad forehead of a scholar and a thinker. Spec- 
tacles added to this scholarly aspect, which was neverthe- 
less contradicted by his careful grooming, his almost mili- 
tary bearing and his high clear voice. He was presented to 
the executive committee of the society: 'Gentlemen, Prof. 
Friedrich Nietzsche !' 

"The day following we learned that he had come to Mann- 
heim to be present at the concert ; he never missed a rehear- 
sal and was one of the few present who was familiar with the 
'Siegfried IdylV to be given publicly for the first time, at this 
concert. 

"We learned further, that he was not only an enthusiastic 
disciple of Wagner but also an extraordinary personality 
in his own right, having been called to the university of 
Basle at the age of twenty-four, that his lectures on Hellen- 
ism had attracted the attention of no less a personage than 
Jakob Burckhardt, and that his ideas also met with lively 
sympathy in Tribschen where he was persona grata. 

"My father and the small circle of friends by whose invita- 

90 



Cares and Joys (1871) 

tion Wagner had come to Mannheim, had frequent oppor- 
tunity of listening to conversations between Wagner, 
Nietzsche and Frau Wagner, which in profundity and 
seriousness of thought could not have been equalled at that 
time elsewhere in Germany." 

The program chosen for the Mannheim concert was as 
follows : 

1. Overture to "Magic Flute." 

2. A Major Symphony (Beethoven). 

3. Lohengrin Overture. 

4. Vorspiel to the "Meister 'singer" 

5. Vorspiel and Liebestod to "Tristan and Isolde." 

At the rehearsal, the "Siegfried Idyll" otherwise called 
the "Staircase Music" was played twice to a very select 
company of listeners, these favored few, aside from Frau 
Wagner and my brother, including Alexander Ritter and 
his wife, Emil Heckel and the executive committee of the 
Mannheim Wagner Society, and further, Pohl, Nohl, Fried- 
rich Wengler and Handloser, the conductor. 

This concert made a deep impression upon my brother 
and he wrote to Rohde: ". . . The experiences I have had 
this week with Wagner in Mannheim, have been the means 
of increasing my knowledge of the music to a marvellous 
degree, and of convincing me of its complete justification. 
Ah, my friend ! To think that you were not able to be pres- 
ent ! What are all previous artistic memories and experiences 
compared to this my most recent one! I was like one who 
sees his dream go into fulfillment. For just this is music, 
and nothing else ! And it is precisely this, and nothing else, 
that I mean by the word 'music' in describing the Dionysian 
art ! But when I think that only a few hundred people of 

91 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

the next generation will have the same that I have from this 
music, I anticipate an entirely new culture! . . . 

"... A feeling of disgust and aversion is created in me 
at times by everything that cannot, in some way, be brought 
into relationship with music. And I was filled with an over- 
whelming abhorrence of everyday realities upon my return 
from Mannheim, just because they no longer seemed to me to 
be realities, but hallucinations !'* 

My brother spent a lonely Christmas in Basle that year, 
as he needed time and solitude for the working out of his 
six promised lectures: "On the Future of Our Educational 
Institutions." 

His latest work, "The Birth of Tragedy out of the Spirit 
of Music" had already come from the press and he was 
eagerly awaiting the first copies so that he might send one 
to Wagner as a New Year's greeting. 



CHAPTER X. 



THE BIRTH OF TRAGEDY OUT OF THE SPIRIT OF MUSIC. 



(1872.) 

N New Year's Day, 1872, my brother received his 
first published work, and, with a heart beating high, 
he wrote in his own copy : 

"S chaff das Tagwerk meiner Hande, 
Grosser Geist, dass ich's vollende." 



O 



He then hurried off a copy to his dear friends in Tribschen. 

Friedrich Nietzsche to Richard Wagner. 

"Most revered master ! 

"At last, I am sending you my Christmas gift and New 
Year's greeting in one. This gift is very much belated, to 
be sure, and yet without any blame being attached either to 
Fritzsch or myself, as the post, at times unreliable, belongs 
to 'the powers of fate' over which we have no control. 

"The package left Leipzig on December 29th., and I have 
awaited its arrival hourly, in order that I might send the 
book together with my blessings and good wishes. 

"May this work, in some slight degree, repay the extraor- 
dinary interest you have shown in its genesis, and if I believe 

93 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

that in the main I am right, that only means that you, m 
your art, must be right through time and eternity. On every 
page you will find evidence of my gratitude for everything 
that you have given me, but I am haunted by the terrible 
doubt as to whether I have always proven myself properly 
receptive of your gifts. Perhaps I shall be able to do many 
things much better later, and by 'later,* I mean the time 
when the Bayreuth art period is ushered in. In the mean- 
time, I am filled with pride at the thought that I am branded, 
so to speak, and that henceforth, my name will ever be 
associated with yours. May God have mercy upon your 
souls, my philologians, if you are still determined to learn 
nothing ! 

"I should be overjoyed, revered master, if upon the thresh- 
old of the new year, you will graciously accept this book 
as an auspicious and friendly omen. I hope soon to be able 
to send bound copies for you and your wife. 

"With all good wishes for you and yours and with deep 
gratitude for all your tokens of friendship, I am, as I was 
and shall be 

"Yours faithfully, 
"Basle, January 2, 1872. Friedrich Nietzsche." 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"Dear friend! 

"I have never read anything more beautiful than your 
book! 

"It is simply glorious ! I am writing you in great haste, 
as my excitement is so great at the moment that I must 
await the return of reason before being able to read it 

94* 



The Birth of Tragedy out of the Spirit of Music 

carefully. I have just said to Cosima that you stand 
second only to her, then, for a long time, there is no one 
until we reach Lenbach who has painted such a striking 
portrait of me! Consider well what she has written, but 
cultivate indifference as far as the rest of the world is con- 
cerned ! 

"Adieu. Run over at the first opportunity and we shall 
have a veritable Dionysian feast ! 

"Yours, 

"R. W." 

At first, Cosima only wrote a brief note of acknowledge- 
ment with a list of names to whom the book was to be sent. 
But later she wrote in a strain of deep emotion: 

". . . Oh, how beautiful your book is ! How beautiful, and 
how deep — how deep and how daring! Did I not feel that 
you must already have found your highest reward in your 
conception of things, I would ask, with the deepest concern, 
where are you to find it? And if you feel this sense of re- 
ward, you will be able to bring your own mood of splendid 
exaltation in harmony with the outer world in which you 
live and work; 6 wie ertrug ich's nur, wie ertrag ich's noch?' 
Perhaps the day and the 'New Year's Echoes' will help 
somewhat, will they not, dear friend? 

"With this book you have exorcised the evil spirits which 
I had begun to believe had nothing to do but wait upon our 
master. You have thrown the most resplendent radiance 
over two worlds, one of which we do not see because it is too 
remote, and the other we do not apprehend because it is too 
near. We now comprehend the beauty which we only half- 
suspected, and understand the ugliness which came very near 

95 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

stifling us. Like a consoling spirit, you illuminate the future 
for us, this future which to our hearts is the present, so 
that we can hopefully pray that in the end 'good may con- 
quer.' I cannot tell you how uplifting your book seems to 
me and how successful you have been in gaining an insight 
into problems which so simply and truthfully establish the 
tragedy of our existence. I have read this work as I would 
a poem, notwithstanding the fact that it deals with the most 
profound problems, and, like the master, I cannot lay it 
aside, for it furnishes an answer to all the subconscious ques- 
tions of my being. You can imagine how moved I was by 
your mention of 'Tristan and Isolde.' In this work, as in no 
other, I have been made to feel most keenly the idea of 
destruction through the music and salvation through the 
drama, as you describe it. Hitherto I have never been able 
to express this, so that you have now thrown an illuminating 
light upon one of the most powerful impressions of my entire 
life. 

"And what a beautiful idea, and how beautifully expressed, 
that of representing Schopenhauer as Diirer's knight, but 
what will the librarians and proof-readers have to say to 
this? Nothing at all, I imagine ('in fact, I understood 
nothing at all about it,' in the words of the honest Kothener). 
But all this is a matter of no importance, the thing which 
most concerns us is you yourself. Are we to learn nothing 
of your lectures? This is the theme of your Reformation, 
and we should like to know more about it. Many thanks for 
your shipment of books. I fancy that Baroness von 
Schleinitz already has a copy, and the good R. P. was really 
superfluous, as his Mannheim i hamentations > were nothing 
but mischievous rubbish — the good man does not know as 

96 



The Birth of Tragedy out of the Spirit of Music 

much as he imagines he does, in fact, there seems to be only 
one person who understands Wagner perfectly, but I shall 
not say who this is. . . ." 

Again Wagner felt inspired to renewed creative effort by 
my brother's ideas and sentiments, just as was the case in 
1870 when Nietzsche's new world of thought as expressed in 
the two Greek lectures, first thrust itself upon the master's 
consciousness. Cosima writes in regard to this : "The master 
spends the entire forenoon working and you should hear the 
second song of the Rhine Maidens. In the evening we read 
Schopenhauer aloud, in the afternoon we read the 'Birth of 
Tragedy' separately, and during dinner discuss the per- 
formance of the 'Ninth Symphony' which is to be given on 
the evening of the cornerstone laying. The co-operation of 
the musicians of Germany will be needed for this. Yes, 
Bayreuth! (Tribschen etymology: 'beim Remth 9 !) 'we are 
now to become tragic personages !' God knows, whether or 
not this latest idea will prove a success, but after all, that 
is a matter of comparative indifference. We have acted to 
the best of our knowledge and ability and should it succeed, 
we shall experience in Wilhelmina's historic theatre, that 
to which you invite us in your book. Has the master told 
you that the burgomaster and a member of the town council 
were here ? They arrived quite unexpectedly, bringing build- 
ing plans with them and we had a remarkable day in 
Tribschen." 

My brother was deeply affected by the letters of his 
friends, some of whom expressed greatest enthusiasm for his 
book, while others, although well disposed towards him, ex- 
pressed pained surprise and professed to have had ex- 

97 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

perienced the same "mild shivers" described by the reader of 
the Engelmann firm. 

A fresh breakdown was the result of this strain, and for 
a time we feared a repetition of the condition of the pre- 
vious year, but haply our fears proved groundless. But this 
made it necessary for my brother to decline another press- 
ing invitation to Tribschen, which he could not have ac- 
cepted in any case, owing to the pressure of work in con- 
nection with his forthcoming lectures on the "Future of Our 
Educational Institutions." 

Wagner hardly knew how to explain my brother's conduct 
as he had fully expected him to hasten to Tribschen upon 
learning of the stormy admiration his book had aroused. 
Suspicious as he ever was, Wagner construed this to mean 
that my brother had already regretted having written the 
work, or at least, to having had it published. This is to be 
seen from the following letter: 

Richard Wagner to Fried-rich Nietzsche. 

"My Friend: 

"How difficult you make it for me to prove the delight I 
take in you. I was most painfully impressed by the news of 
your illness. You must forgive us for having frequently ob- 
served, and always with a feeling of the deepest anxiety, 
certain recurring symptoms, not in your growth, but in the 
fixation phases, so to speak, of your professional career, in 
so far as these have an effect upon your inner, soul life. 
From the beginning of our friendship, we have observed 
disquieting symptoms, of which it is true, you have fre- 
quently offered an explanation, but which have then repeated 

98 



The Birth of Tragedy out of the Spirit of Music 

themselves at such regular intervals, as to arouse in our 
minds the most serious misgivings as to the possibility of 
maintaining our intimate and friendly intercourse. 

"You have now given to the world a work which is un- 
equalled. Every outside influence that has been brought to 
bear upon you, has been rendered practically negligible by 
the entire character of this work, and above all, your book 
is characterized by an assurance so consummate, as to be- 
token the most profound originality. In what other way 
could my wife and I have realized the most ardent wish of 
our lives, which was that some day something might come 
to us from without and take full possession of our hearts 
and souls ! Each of us has read your book twice — once alone 
during the day, and then aloud in the evening. We fairly 
fight over the one copy and regret that the promised second 
one has not yet arrived. I must have it in order to get 
myself in the proper mood for working after breakfast, as I 
am again hard at work on the last act since reading your 
book. Whether alone or together, our reading is always 
punctuated by exclamations. For my part, I am still some- 
what dazed by the thought of having been vouchsafed an ex- 
perience of this kind. This is the way matters stand with 
us ! Then we turn to you — and are consumed with anxiety ! 
And just when the most remarkable suspicions have taken 
hold of us, and we have almost arrived at the conclusion that 
the publication of the book — if not, indeed, the entire con- 
ception of the same — had plunged you temporarily, at least, 
into a frame of mind strangely resembling regret — you 
suddenly break your long silence and inform us that you 
have been ill. 

"These illnesses of yours have already caused us great 

99 




The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

anxiety, not because they arouse any serious fears as to your 
physical condition but rather as to the state of your emo- 
tional life. If you would only reassure us by writing us a 
comforting word, or better still, by a visit, even though it 
be of necessity, a short one ! 

"Friend ! What I am now saying to you is of such char- 
acter that it can not be put away with a laughing assurance. 
You have a profound nature and there has been nothing in 
our intercourse which could lead you to believe that my own 
feelings are of a superficial character. I also understand 
you as you reveal yourself in the musical composition with 
which you so thoughtfully surprised us. It is difficult, how- 
ever, for me to acquaint you with my sympathetic compre- 
hension, and it is just because I feel conscious of this diffi- 
culty that I am all the more embarrassed in expressing my- 
self. 

"And furthermore, my friend, what could I say to you 
that you do not already know, and could say quite as well to 
yourself did you speak from your innermost consciousness? 
You see and perceive everything, so that it has been a hith- 
erto undreamed-of delight to be permitted to see and perceive 
through your eyes. 

"I have also gained a much better understanding of many 
things now engrossing your attention in connection with 
your vocation— for example, with your ideas in regard to 
pedagogy, some of which you had already intimated to me. 
Through you, I have gained a wide and sweeping perspective, 
and immeasurable vistas of promising activity open up 
before me — with you at my side! 

"But you are ill! Are you also discouraged? If so, how 
gladly would I do something to dispel your despondency! 

100 



. --• 



The Birth of Tragedy out of the Spirit of Music 

How shall I begin? Are }^ou not satisfied with my unquali- 
fied praise? Did I feel compelled to doubt this, I should be, 
indeed, miserable! Nevertheless, I can do no other than 
lavish my praise upon you. Accept it, at least, in a friendly 
spirit, even though it leave you unsatisfied! 
"Heartfelt greetings from 

"Yours, 
"Tribschen, Jan. 10, 1872. Richard Wagner." 

In reply to this warm-hearted, but nevertheless, some- 
what suspicious letter, Wagner received a truly touching 
reply from my brother, which as Wagner later said, "com- 
pletely dispelled all doubts.'* Furthermore, my brother took 
pains to send copies of his book to all of Wagner's friends, 
among them Frau von Muchanoff, Baroness von Schleinitz, 
Liszt, Billow, Richard Pohl and others, and this he most 
assuredly would not have done had he already regretted hav- 
ing published the work. 

He made only one reservation and that was in the case 
of the king of Bavaria, to whom he did not wish to send a 
copy directly as Wagner had requested. His reason for this 
lay in his inherent feeling for style, which rebelled at the so- 
called "curial style of letter- writing." As children we had 
always been obliged to use this in writing to my f ather's for- 
mer pupils, the Grand Duchess Constantine, the Grand 
Duchess of Oldenburg and Princess Therese of Altenburg, 
and it had ever been a source of intense irritation to my 
brother. However, Wagner found a way out of this diffi- 
culty and my brother was relieved of the necessity of writing 
this much-detested formal letter. 

101 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 
Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"Dear friend: 

"Just two words in regard to the 'green-gold tree of your 
lif e' ! Have you still a few copies of your book on hand, and 
can you, or will you, in this case, intrust them to me for dis- 
creet distribution? If not, then I shall naturally apply to 
Fritzsch. 

"After taking the matter into serious consideration, I 
would advise you not to write to the king personally, but to 

Court Counsellor, L. Dufflipp, 
Court Secretary to His Majesty the King 

begging him to give the work to the king and referring to 
my communication in regard to the same. You will thus be 
spared the absurdity of using the curial style, the mere sug- 
gestion of which, in }^our case, makes me indignant. 

We are rejoiced at the news of your recovery and also 
over the promised copies of your book which reached us 
safely. The 'register' filled me with alarm in all the dimen- 
sions of my innermost being. 

" 'Der Menschheit ganzer Jammer fasst mich an' (Man- 
kind's collected woe o'erwhelms me!) — etc. Come to us soon 
— quite unannounced — and convince yourself of our affec- 
tion for you. 

"Yours, 
"Tribschen, Jan. 16, 1872. Richard Wagner." 

On the sixteenth of January, my brother delivered the 
first of his two lectures on "TJie Future of Our Educational 
Institutions," and met with tremendous success. "Emotion, 
enthusiasm and hate nicely combined." 

102 



The Birth of Tragedy out of the Spirit of Music 

After delivering this lecture he went over to Tribschen, 
where a truly royal welcome had been prepared for him. 
Upon his return to Basle, he was received by a delegation 
from the student corps, announcing that the university 
wished to give him an ovation in the shape of a torch-light 
procession as an expression of appreciation of his refusal to 
consider a call to the Greifswald university. Although he 
had discussed this matter with no one in Basle it had some- 
how leaked out, and his decision was received with great 
enthusiasm. 

Instead, my brother recommended Erwin Rohde for the 
Greifswald post and in writing to his friend said: ". . . 
Great sympathy was created in Basle by my refusal to con- 
sider the position, despite my protestations that it was not 
in the nature of a formal call, but only a tentative feeler 
put out by the university board. Notwithstanding this, the 
student corps wished to organize a torch-light procession in 
my honor, intending thereby to express their appreciation 
of my Basle activities. However, I refused to be thus 
honored." 

No one was more genuinely delighted at my brother's 
decision than Jakob Burckhardt, who had taken the greatest 
delight in the "Birth of Tragedy" and the "Future of Our 
Educational Institutions." Referring to this, Frau Cosima 
wrote: "... I imagine his opinion weighs more with you 
than that of any one else." And this was not far from the 
truth, as my brother placed a high value upon his inter- 
course with this eminent scholar, and the cordial reception 
accorded him when he came to Basle. 

My brother became exceedingly "popular" in Basle that 
winter, public interest in him having been heightened by his 

103 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

decision to remain at the university and by his two success- 
ful lectures. In writing of these lectures, he said: "... I 
am extremely well satisfied with the results ; they attracted 
the most serious listeners, both men and women, and prac- 
tically the best element among the student corps was always 
to be found in my lecture room." 

Moreover he was feted and feasted by the old patrician 
families of Basle, and during that winter he was often the 
only German to receive an invitation to the exclusive dinners 
and balls. He danced so energetically that, at the close of 
the season, he wrote us that his evening clothes were in so 
dilapidated a condition that he would be obliged to order 
a new suit for the approaching festivities in Bayreuth. 

After reading the chapter which follows, disclosing, as it 
does, the inner conflicts and doubts with which my brother 
was struggling during this winter, the reader will be all the 
more surprised to find that he could maintain the character 
of a pleasure-loving young professor, delighting in nothing 
so much as a round of balls and dinners. 

Nor must it be forgotten, that these conflicts were to lead 
to decisions directly connected with the fate and fortunes of 
his dearest friends, and that he was made both proud and 
arrogant at the thought of being permitted to stake his very 
existence for these friends. 



104 



CHAPTER XL 



DIFFICULT DECISIONS. 



BY the end of January my brother found himself 
plunged into the inner conflicts to which reference 
has been made. Wagner had been called to Berlin by 
the news that some well-wisher in that city had conceived 
the idea of collecting the sum of 200,000 thalers, in order 
that work might be begun at once on the Festival Theatre 
and Wagner's own residence in Bayreuth without delaying 
matters until funds for this purpose had been raised by the 
Wagner Society. 

I beg to be forgiven should I make any mistake on this 
point, but I am relying entirely upon what was told me later 
by Baron von Gersdorff, who was well informed on everything 
that took place at that time. 

It was with great reluctance that Wagner accepted this 
invitation to Berlin, as he placed but little confidence in the 
proposed plan and was, moreover, deep in the third act of 
his "Gotterdammerwng." On his way to Berlin, he stopped 
off in Basle and poured out his heart to my brother, in- 
dulging in passionate complaint of the cares and anxieties 
by which he was oppressed. During this conversation, many 
hitherto concealed causes for dejection came to the surface, 
one of them being that "everything rested upon his shoul- 
ders" 1 and that he "had no one upon whom he could depend in 

105 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

such matters," etc. My brother was shaken to the depths of 
his being at the sight of the suffering of the beloved master 
and he did everything he could to console and encourage him. 
Strangely enough, my brother had faith in the fantastic 
proposition that had come from Berlin, and had he been 
free to follow the promptings of his own heart, would have 
preferred to have accompanied Wagner on his journey. 
But as this was out of the question, he wrote to his friend 
Gersdorff, saying: ". . . You will be surprised to see Wag- 
ner suddenly appear in Berlin. I implore you to do, and to 
see, and to feel everything that could be of the slightest 
service to him in this momentous matter. I transfer to you 
my own feelings for him during the period of his Berlin visit, 
and charge you to act, in every instance, as I would were I 
there." 

Gersdorff entirely fulfilled my brother's confidence in him 
and Wagner telegraphed: "The Alexandrian Gersdorff 
has made himself indispensable to me!" (Gersdorff lived 
at Alexander Platzin Berlin.) Highly gratified, my brother 
wrote his friend : /"Whatever you do, bear in mind, that we 
two are called upon to fight in the front ranks of a cul- 
tural movement the full significance of which will not be 
revealed to the larger masses of the public untH the next 
generation, possibly not until a much later period. Let this 
thought fill us with pride; let it give us courage. On the 
whole, I have always felt that we were not born into this 
world to be happy but simply to perform our duty, and we 
may consider ourselves thrice blessed if we know and realize 
just where this duty lies." 

"Duty" was always the first and most solemn considera- 
tion with my brother. But was it really his duty to throw 

106 



Difficult Decisions 

everything overboard — his position and his life work — in 
order the better to consecrate his strength and talents to 
Richard Wagner and Ms life work? 

In the following letter is to be found my brother's answer 
to this question, as he here gives the first direct intimation of 
his readiness to sacrifice everything for the beloved master: 

Friedrich Nietzsche to Richard Wagner. 

"My revered master: 

"Scarcely an hour has elapsed since you left Basle and a 
letter is already on the way to your wife, so that I have 
hopes of the good news reaching her by tomorrow morning. 

"It seems to me that the moment has come for tightening 
up the bow so long unstrung. But must this task also fall 
upon you ! Must everything rest upon your shoulders ! I 
feel that my present existence is a reproach and I ask you 
frankly if you can make use of my services. Aside from this 
inquiry, I know of nothing worth reporting at the moment, 
but many things, very many things that are worth wishing 
for and hoping for, my honored master. 
"Faithfully yours, 

"Basle, Wednesday. Fbjedbjch Nietzsche." 

Wagner had ignored an earlier suggestion of this sort, 
partly because he liked the idea of having a university pro- 
fessor as an intimate friend, and partly out of genuine 
fatherly interest in my brother and reluctance to tear him 
away from his own life work. But now that the Bayreuth 
idea had begun to assume a concrete shape, the situation 
passed into a new phase, and Emil Heckel of Mannheim had 

107 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

earnestly advised Wagner to send some friend of the cause 
on a lecture tour throughout Germany. In view of the tre- 
mendous enthusiasm always created by my brother's lec- 
tures, and the added prestige he now enjoyed by reason of 
the publication of his "Birth of Tragedy,'''' Wagner was con- 
vinced that only Nietzsche could succeed in awakening the 
public to a clear understanding of the Bayreuth idea, and 
the plans by which it was to be carried into fulfillment. And 
as we have seen, my brother was ready to make this sacrifice 
and strike the death-knell of his own professional career. 
Just imagine what this meant at a time when he had finally 
succeeded in compelling the respect and recognition of aca- 
demic circles in Basle ! 

It was not without a heavy heart that my brother decided 
upon taking this step, but believing that he was nearer to 
the beloved master than anyone else, he felt under the 
strongest obligations to sacrifice everything for Wagner's 
cause. Under the stress of these feelings, he wrote to Rohde : 
"Why do we live so far apart? For it is impossible for me 
to say to you in a letter all that is on my heart today and 
tell you of my plans for the future. I have formed an alliance 
with Wagner. You* can have no idea how close we are to one 
another and how all our plans coincide. 

"I have been obliged to listen to such incredible things 
about my book that I shall say nothing more about it. . . . 
What do you think about the whole matter? In view of all 
the things I have heard, I am made deeply sensible of the 
gravity of the situation, and can form a clear idea of the fate 
of all the other things I have in mind. On the whole, life is 
not going to be an easy matter with me." 

Wagner was in high spirits when he returned to Tribschen 

108 



Difficult Decisions 

and one of his first letters was to my brother, and from this 
it is to be seen that the intimations he had made while in 
Basle were really an expression of his innermost hopes and 
wishes, but that his affectionate interest in my brother made 
him hesitate about accepting this supreme sacrifice. 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche, 

"My dear friend: 

"As your letter was the first to greet me upon my arrival 
in Berlin, you shall now be the recipient of my first greetings 
upon my return to Tribschen (at noon today). I am fairly 
frightened at having made myself so plainly understood that 
day in Basle. 

"Gersdorff will have told you everything as he was fully 
informed in regard to all that was taking place. Of Bay- 
reuth, however, he knows nothing. Gratifying marks of 
esteem were bestowed upon me there, and I now realize 
clearly that as far as the material side of the undertaking is 
concerned, Bayreuth will prove to be one of the happiest 
inspirations of my life. If I could only talk this over with 
you! 

"Everything has been arranged in the most satisfactory 
manner, and my regime has been inaugurated. 

"You offered me your services and I shall now proceed to 
take immediate advantage of this offer. I am confronted by 
many days of the most complicated correspondence. Come 
to my aid. Request Fritzsch m my name to fill the follow- 
ing order: 

"1 'Birth 9 to Dean Dittmar. 

"1 'Ditto' to Rector Grossmann. 

109 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

further — 1 'German Art and Polities' to Councillor of the 
Consistory, Herr Krausse. 

"1 'Ditto' to Professor Fries. 

"AH of them to Bayreuth. 

"Everything at my expense. 

"Further!— 

"Friend, I have no connections at all with the Augsburg 
Allg. Z. The Nord. Allg. is at our disposal. Would it be 
agreeable to you to send Rohde to them? 

"Have I made myself clear? I am very tired today after 
the night trip. Tomorrow I have to make arrangements 
for the 'Ninth Symphony,' and this will require the writing 
of something like 10 letters. The date is fixed for the twenty- 
second of May. Nothing remains to be done but to look 
about for the 'elite' orchestra. 

"I am very happy today and announce this to you, first of 
all, dear friend. 

"Many cordial greetings from 

"Yours, 

"Lucerne, Evening of Feb. 5. Richard Wagner." 

Wagner's hesitation about accepting the sacrifice my 
brother was ready to make had caused the projected tour 
in Germany to be indefinitely postponed. But now my 
brother conceived the idea of making this plan serve a double 
purpose, by having Rohde appointed as his substitute during 
the winter semester in Basle; the latter would be relieved 
from his irksome duties as lecturer at a Germany university, 
and at the same time my brother would be free to conduct 
the propaganda for the Wagnerian cause. He was highly 

110 



Difficult Decisions 

elated at the thought of being able to serve two friends at 
once. 

On the face of it, the Berlin proposition looked very prom- 
ising, and Wagner set out for Bayreuth to confer with 
Feustel, the banker, and burgomaster Muncker, and to get 
everything in readiness for the festivities connected with the 
ceremony of laying the cornerstone set for the twenty- 
second of May. But it soon became evident that the entire 
Berlin scheme was illusory and that in consequence it would 
be injudicious to mature plans for the preliminary festival. 
Wagner conducted himself admirably even in the face of this 
bitter disappointment. This capacity of his to bear failure 
and disappointment with fortitude, his tenacity of purpose, 
his unshaken belief in himself and his cause, the intrepid, 
courageous and dignified manner in which he met discour- 
agements — were all qualities which so endeared the master 
to my brother. Wagner will ever remain an inspiring ex- 
ample for those who have high ambitions and ideals. It is a 
matter of indifference as to whether all the paths he trod in 
his efforts to achieve this goal were wholly commendable or 
not, as such things must not be weighed by common stand- 
ards. It was only Wagner's staunch belief in himself, which 
induced men like Heckel, Feustel and Muncker — men ac- 
customed to looking facts squarely in the face, in the trans- 
actions of everyday life — to espouse his cause and patiently 
endeavor to remove all the obstacles to the realization of the 
Bayreuth idea. It may not be amiss to say here that my 
brother and I always had the greatest admiration for these 
men who thus clung to Wagner through thick and thin. 

With the transference of his interests to Bayreuth, Wag- 
ner began to feel the necessity of abandoning his beloved 

111 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

Tribschen and resuming his proper place in the world. Soon 
came the leave-taking from the spot, which my brother al- 
ways called the "enchanted isle" and the magic of which 
clung to him through life. 

Upon arriving in Tribschen one day in the early spring, 
my brother found Frau Cosima deep in the task of packing. 
While she moved from one room to another, he sat at the 
piano, weaving into his improvisations all his grief, his in- 
expressible hopes and fears, his precious memories and the 
acute realization that something irretrievable was being 
taken from his life. The strains, now jubilant, now mourn- 
ful, echoed through the dismantled rooms, conjuring up 
ghosts of past joys and sorrows. 

Many years later, after there had been a complete rup- 
ture in their relations, Frau Wagner often referred to the 
fascinating and beautiful fantasy which she called my 
brother's "Farewell to Tribschen." Writing to Baron von 
Gersdorff, my brother said: "Last Saturday I performed 
the melancholy duty of taking leave of Tribschen. We 
walked about as if we were in the midst of ruins, the air was 
heavy with emotion, the dog refused to eat, and the servants 
broke into unrestrained weeping every time they were ad- 
dressed. Together, we packed the manuscripts, the books 
and letters — ah, it was all so inexpressibly sad ! 

"What would my life have been without these three years 
spent within reach of Tribschen, where I made twenty-three 
visits ! Without them, what would I have been ! I am made 
happy by the thought of having crystallized the Tribschen 
world in my book." 

Did this little volume bear the title of "Richard Wagner 
and Friedrich Nietzsche at the Zenith of their Friendship", 

112 



Difficult Decisions 

it would have to close here, as my brother's deepest feelings 
for Wagner were always associated with Tribschen, although 
the following year, 1872, was also included in the Tribschen 
period. With a mournful attempt at a joke, he said later: 
"Bayreuth did not begin for me until the year 1873." 

But the title is more comprehensive and stretches over the 
period of the decline in the friendship of the two men, a 
period which my brother always characterized by the one 
word "Bayreuth." 

Nowhere can we obtain a better idea of the high place 
Tribschen held in my brother's affections, than in the pass- 
age from his "Ecce Homo", quoted in the foreword to this 
book : "In speaking here of the vivifying influences of my life, 
I feel that I must express my gratitude for that which, above 
all other things, has refreshed me most heartily and pro- 
foundly. This, unquestionably, was my intimate intercourse 
with Richard Wagner. All my other relationships with men 
I treat quite lightly but at no price would I have blotted 
from my life those days spent at Tribschen, those days of 
mutual confidence, of cheerfulness, of sublime flashes — of 
profound moments. ... I do not know the experiences 
others may have had with Richard Wagner, I only know 
that no cloud ever crossed our Heaven." 

And this is quite true, as the clouds of misunderstanding 
did not appear until after Wagner had taken up his residence 
in Bayreuth and were not clearly discernible until the year 
1873. 

After the agitation and anxiety connected with the first 
Festival, which as the world knows, fell far short of the beau- 
tiful anticipations, Frau Cosima looked back upon the 
Tribschen days with a feeling of melancholy regret, and as 

113 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

late as New Year's 1877 she wrote: "Just think of it, Richt- 
er spent twenty-four hours of his three-days' holiday with 
us, saying that he could no longer endure the separation. 
On New Year's Eve, we reviewed our entire life at Tribschen, 
sometimes with laughter, sometimes with tears. We recalled 
your visits and we found that not even the Festival had suc- 
ceeded in banishing from our affection the charm of this 
blessed asylum, which in retrospect seems to us a veritable 
Paradise Lost." 



114* 



CHAPTER XII. 

THE LAYING OF THE CORNERSTONE. 

SHORTLY after the departure of the family from Trib- 
schen, the ceremonies connected with the laying of the 
cornerstone of the Festival Theatre took place in Bay- 
reuth. The date of this memorable event was May 22, 1872, 
but several days earlier there was a foregathering 1 of the 
faithful supporters of the cause, in this vanguard being the 
select few who had devoted themselves wholly and passion- 
ately to Wagner and the art-work of the future. Among 
them were Baroness von Schleinitz, Frau von Muchanoff, 
Countess Krokow, Fraulein von Meysenburg, Countess Dohn- 
hoff (whom my brother found particularly charming) and 
all the distinguished men who had been active in contributing 
to the success of the Bayreuth undertaking. 

It goes without saying that my brother's friends, Gers- 
dorff and Rohde were also present; in fact, I was the only 
one of the circle missing as, in a fit of generosity, I had given 
my seat to Gustav Krug, one of my brother's boyhood's 
friends. 

There was a tremendous and quite unexpected rush and 
the little rococo theatre could by no means accommodate 
the crowd. A genera] introduction of Wagner's friends took 
place at the final rehearsal of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, 
and as Rohde jokingly remarked, my brother was taken 

115 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

about and exhibited like some showy plat de jour, which my 
brother amended by saying: "No, we were both on display!" 
The truth of the matter was that Wagner was very proud 
of the two, always introducing them as: "My friends, the 
two university professors !" (Rohde had just been made pro- 
fessor at the university of Kiel.) 

It was on this occasion that my brother also made the 
acquaintance of Wagner's old friend, Matilda von Mey- 
senburg and this was the beginning of a warm friendship. 
In her book, "The Letters of an Idealist," Fraulein von Mey- 
senburg gives a charming description of this meeting : "Dur- 
ing one of the pauses of the final rehearsal, Frau Wagner 
brought a young man up to me whom she introduced as 'Herr 
Nietzsche.' Thrilled with joy, I exclaimed: 'Not the Herr 
Nietzsche' whereupon they both laughed and Frau Wagner 
said: 'Yes, the Nietzsche.' 

"At last I was given an opportunity of supplementing the 
striking mental picture I had already formed of this young 
man, by a still more vivid impression of a handsome presence 
and agreeable personality; we were speedily on the best of 
terms." 

This memorable twenty-second of May began with a 
steady downpour, but despite these discouraging conditions, 
the ceremony of the cornerstone laying was most impressive. 
In their great enthusiasm the assembled guests forgot the 
discomfort of the situation and arose to a mood of genuine 
elation. What must have been Wagner's feelings on this 
occasion? My brother believed that he possessed the key to 
his thoughts when four years later, he wrote: 

"When on that dismal and cloudy day in May the corner- 
stone had been lowered into place on the wooded heights be- 

116 



The Laying of the Cornerstone 

yond Bayreuth, under an overshadowed sky and amid a 
downpour of rain, a few of us were permitted to drive back to 
town with Wagner. He was silent during the entire drive 
and there was an indescribable look in his eyes as of one who 
has turned his gaze deeply inward. On this day he entered 
upon his sixtieth year and his whole past now appeared as 
but a preparation for this moment. It is a recognized fact 
that in times of extraordinary danger or in all decisive 
moments of their lives, men see the remotest as well as the 
most recent events of their career with singular vividness. 
With one rapid inward glance, they obtained a sort of pan- 
orama of a whole span of years in which every experience is 
depicted with the greatest fidelity. What, for instance, 
must Alexander the Great have seen as he let Asia and 
Europe drink from the same goblet? What this self-scrutiny 
meant to Wagner on that day — how he visualized his past, 
his present and his future — can only be comprehended by 
those of us who stand nearest to him, and this only up to a 
certain point. Only if we have this Wagnerian vision will 
we be enabled to understand his great work and by the aid of 
this understanding, to guarantee its productiveness." 

The evening performance of the "Ninth Symphony" was a 
wonderful success. The entire audience was carried away 
by enthusiasm for the artist and his work, all were inspired 
by the most beautiful hopes for the future, and were made to 
feel as if they were participating in the sunrise of a glorious 
day containing the promise of a new and triumphant German 
culture. 

The air was filled with vague memories of Bayreuth's 
past glory, and Wagner himself has best described the mixed 
emotions of the festival audience assembled on that spring 

117 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

evening" in Bayreuth: "Who among those present on that 
occasion could shake off the thought of past days when the 
margravian court and its guests, with the great Frederick 
himself as the oustanding figure — was assembled in this his- 
toric house to witness a ballet, or to listen to an Italian 
opera or a French comedy? Now this selfsame house re- 
sounded with the strains of the marvellous Ninth Symphony 
given by German musicians gathered together from all the 
quarters of the fatherland to assist in this festival. From 
the tribunes where once the gold-laced trumpeters blew a 
mighty fanfare announcing the arrival of the royal suite, 
there now arose the voices of distinguished German soloists, 
calling out to the assembled guests: 'Embrace, ye millions!' 

"Stimulated by this experience, was there any one present 
who did not have before his eyes a stirring vision of the ulti- 
mate triumph of the German spirit?" 

In his private correspondence, my brother has left on 
record the powerful impression made upon him by the Ninth 
Symphony, quite apart from all the external circumstances 
connected with this historic performance: 

"The opening movement strikes the keynote of passion 
and its course. Without a moment's respite, the music 
surges forward on its journey through forests and chasms 
and Nature's prodigious phenomena. In the distance is 
heard the roar of a waterfall, thundering out an overpower- 
ing rhythm as it leaps in mighty bounds, to the valley below. 

"We are given a breathing spell in the second movement, 
(a moment for self -contemplation and self-judgment) and 
above all our wanderings and our eager, hot pursuits, our 
eyes catch a vision of eternal rest, smiling upon us blissfully 
and yet mournfully. 

118 



The Laying of the Cornerstone 

"The third movement is a moment snatched from passion 
in its highest flights. Its course lies under the stars, agi- 
tated, comet-like, an ignis fatuws, ghost-like, malevolent, 
a sort of aberration, an inner flickering fire, a fatiguing, ex- 
hausting pressing forward, without love or without hope, at 
times almost mockingly coarse, like a spirit hovering over 
graves without being able to find a resting place. 

"And then the fourth movement ! A heart-breaking cry, 
the soul is no longer able to bear its burden, no longer able 
to endure the unceasing transports of passion. Even the 
vision of eternal rest is rudely pushed aside and the soul 
agonizes, it suffers inexpressible torture. Now it recog- 
nizes the curse laid upon it by this soul-solitude, this soul- 
isolation, for even the immortality of the individual is noth- 
ing more than a curse. It is then that a human voice is heard 
speaking to the lonely soul, as to all lonely souls, and ex- 
horting it to return to the friends and j oys of the multitude. 
This is the burden of its song ! At last the song of universal 
human passion bursts in stormily with its full impetus, reach- 
ing heights which it would never have been able to attain 
had not the passion of the solitary, onrushing individual 
been of such terrific force. 

"Sympathy joins hands with passion, not by way of con- 
trast, but rather as an effect resulting from this cause." 

I doubt very much if any one else present experienced the 
same ardent and passionate feelings in listening to Beet- 
hoven's masterpiece as did my brother. 

The three friends left Bayreuth filled with solemn resolves 
and soon thereafter my brother wrote to GersdorfF: ". . . 
Ah, my friend, we know what we have experienced ! No one 
can rob us of these sacred and inspiring memories. We must 

119 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

go through life solaced by them and, if needs be, fighting for 
them, but above all, in everything that we do, we must en- 
deavor to prove ourselves serious and high-minded, that we 
may be deemed worthy of the profound honors and ex- 
periences vouchsafed to us." 

In the meantime, the "Birth of Tragedy" had aroused the 
most varied and conflicting sentiments throughout academic 
circles in Germany. The work created the greatest enthu- 
siasm in Wagnerian circles, and Hans von Biilow was also 
delighted with it as is shown by a passage from one of my 
brother's letters : 

". . . Hans von Biilow, whom I had never met, called upon 
me here and asked me to accept the dedication of his trans- 
lation of Leopardi, with which he occupied himself during his 
leisure hours in Italy. He is so enthusiastic about my work 
that he travels around with numerous copies to be dis- 
tributed among his friends." 

As may be imagined, my brother was placed in a most 
embarrassing position by this visit from Hans von Biilow 
(the first husband of Frau Cosima) occurring, as it did, just 
at the time when the friendship between Wagner and my 
brother was at its height. Biilow perceived this at once, 
and, at the close of their conversation in regard to the "Birth 
of Tragedy", sought to dispel my brother's embarrassment 
by voluntarily alluding to the subject of his relations with 
Wagner and Frau Cosima. He drew the following picture: 
Cosima was Ariadne, he himself was Theseus, and Wagner 
was Dionysius; but like all analogies this one also had a 
weak spot, as in this case Theseus had not deserted Ariadne, 
but just the reverse. Biilow, evidently, wished to convey the 
idea that he had been superseded by a higher being, by a god. 

120 



The Laying of the Cornerstone 

My brother was delighted beyond measure to hear Biilow 
thus investing his own experiences with such an impersonal 
and mythical character, even though he was not spared a 
number of Billow's caustic criticisms of the two beloved 
friends. 

Matilda von Meysenburg has given us a detailed de- 
scription of her first impressions of the "Birth of Tragedy", 
as it was her interest in this book that drew forth her de- 
lighted exclamation at the time she met my brother face to 
face, in Bayreuth: 

". . . While I was living in Florence in the year 1872, 
I received a letter from Frau Cosima Wagner calling my 
attention to a newly-published work from the pen of a young 
professor at the university of Basle, who, she said, was an 
intimate friend of the Wagner family then living at Trib- 
schen on Lake Lucerne. The title of this book was 'The 
Birth of Tragedy Out of the Spirit of Music,' and the 
author's name was Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"Just at that time, I was surrounded by a small circle of 
highly intelligent friends and we at once began reading the 
book aloud, our enthusiasm growing as we read. The light 
thrown upon the two fundamental elements of Greek life, 
which the author characterized by the names : Dionysian and 
Apollonian, disclosed a wealth of inspiring ideas upon this 
subject, among them being the thought that the Dionysian 
(the essence of the world 'per se') whose native language is 
music, generates the art-work of tragedy from the beauty 
of the Apollonian spirit. 

". . . We also learned that Nietzsche was a profoundly 
scholarly philologian and had been recommended to the uni- 
versity of Basle as professor in ordinary when quite a young 

121 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

man by Professor Ritschl, himself one of Germany's fore- 
most philologians. What attracted us even more than the 
erudition of this young scholar, who displayed an aston- 
ishing familiarity with the classics, was the intellectual depth 
and poetry of his conceptions, the presaging vision of the 
poetical soul, which grasped the inner truth of things with 
the vision of the seer, whereas the pedantic dry-as-dust 
scholar would have seized hold of the outer husk and be- 
lieved it to be the inner kernel. It was a genuine delight to 
feel that such a powerful personality, and at the same time 
a man of scholarly attainments and a highly endowed crea- 
tive spirit, should be devoted to the great work now in prep- 
aration in Bayreuth under the personal direction of Richard 
Wagner." 

But an ominous silence reigned in philological circles, 
where, with a few notable exceptions, my brother's ideas were 
completely misunderstood. The interested reader will find 
all the details of this question discussed in the big Nietzsche 
biography as well as in "The Young Nietzsche." 

Professor Ritschl was one of the few who wrote a letter 
to my brother, touching in its leniency of judgment. As a 
matter of fact, this work had also compromised him in the 
mind of the public, as he had pronounced my brother to be 
his foremost pupil, thus making himself, to a certain extent, 
responsible for the fundamental ideas therein contained. 
How little these ideas were comprehended, may be judged by 
the pronouncement of one eminent university professor, who 
dismissed the book as a piece of "absolute rubbish." Ritschl 
and the good Jakob Burckhardt seemed to be the only ones 
who surmised something of the real significance of the book. 
Writing to Rohde, my brother said: "This man (Jakob 

122 



The Laying of the Cornerstone 

Burckhardt) who will have nothing to do with anything phil- 
osophical, particularly anything relating to art-philosophy 
(my own included!) is so fascinated by the apprehension of 
the Greek character revealed in this book, that he meditates 
upon it day and night, and in a thousand details, furnishes 
me with an example of the most fruitful historical adapta- 
tion; I shall have much to learn in regard to the cultural 
history of the Greeks during his summer lecture course, in 
fact, more than ever, now that I know in what familiar 
and native soil these fruits have been grown." 

Jakob Burckhardt added a special chapter dealing with 
the marvellous phenomenon bearing the name Dionysian to 
his work on "The Culture of the Greeks", having instantly 
recognized that this phenomenon, newly perceived, and in a 
sense, discovered by my brother — would prove an invaluable 
aid to the understanding of the "still richer, yea, self-exult- 
ing Hellenic instinct." 

The thick-headed philologians grumbled and waxed in- 
dignant at what they considered to be an unclassifiable book 
published by one of their own colleagues and yet not intended 
for them. This indignation grew until, finally, the offended 
German philology arose in the person of the youthful Dr. 
Ulrich von Willamowitz who came out with a scathing 
pamphlet addressed to the: "Philology of the Future: An 
Answer to 'The Birth of Tragedy'' by Friedrich Nietzsche, 
Professor m Ordinary at the University of Basle." This 
malevolent attack made upon my brother was, in reality, 
directed against Ritschl, whose many enemies at the Berlin 
university had undoubtedly prompted young Willamowitz 
to write the pamphlet. Later, when we came to know the 
true facts in the case, we were inclined to regard this as a 

123 



The Nietzsclie-Wagner Correspondence 

piece of youthful bravado on the part of Willamowitz, and 
more particularly so, as it was in direct contradiction to the 
latter's personal admiration for my brother. But, at the 
time, all of our friends were highly incensed and Rohde im- 
mediately announced his intention of taking up the cudgels 
for my brother. He was anticipated, however, by Wagner 
who was the first to take up his pen in defense of the work ; 
this he did by writing a circular letter, printed in the "Nord- 
deutsche Allgemeine Zeitimg." As this communication may 
be considered fairly representative of Wagner's own view- 
point at that time, it is reproduced in full in the following 
chapter. 



124 



CHAPTER XIII. 

CIRCULAR LETTER FROM RICHARD WAGNER TO FRIEDRICH 

NIETZSCHE, PROFESSOR IN ORDINARY OF CLASSICAL 

PHILOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BASLE. 

"Esteemed friend: 

"I have just finished reading the pamphlet you sent me 
written by Dr. Phil. Ulrich von Willamowitz-Moellendorff, 
and this reply to your 'Birth of Tragedy Out of the Spirit 
of Music' has created certain impressions of which I should 
like to relieve my mind by propounding to you a few ques- 
tions, which you may deem of a surprising character. I do 
this in the hope of moving you to an explanatory answer, 
and one as stimulating as your discussion of Greek tragedy. 

"First of all, I should like to ask you to explain an educa- 
tional phenomenon which I have observed in my own case. At 
the time I was attending the Kreuz-Schule in Dresden, no 
boy could have had greater enthusiasm for classical antiquity 
than myself; although it was Greek mythology and history 
which interested me most deeply, I also felt strongly drawn 
to the study of the Greek language, to such an extent, in 
fact, that I was almost rebellious in my efforts to shirk my 
Latin tasks. It is impossible for me to judge whether or 
not my case was a normal one, but I may be pardoned for 
referring to the fact that my favorite master at the Kreuz- 
Schule, Dr. Sillig — still living, I hope — was so gratified 

125 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

with my enthusiasm for the classics, that he strongly urged 
me to adopt philology as my profession. I likewise remem- 
ber well how my later teachers at the Nikolai and Thomas 
schools in Leipzig, succeeded in rooting out these tastes and 
inclinations, and I find no difficulty in explaining this when 
I reflect upon the general policy of these masters. As time 
went on, I began to entertain serious doubts as to whether 
these tastes and inclinations had ever taken strong hold 
upon me, as they seemed to degenerate rapidly into those of 
an entirely different character. It was only during my 
period of later development, that I began to grow conscious 
of the fact that the regular outcropping of these inclina- 
tions, indicated that something had been stifled in me by a 
fatal system of schooling. Again and again, amid the most 
absorbing tasks of a life entirely removed from these studies, 
the only way by which I seemed to be able to gain a breath 
of freedom, was by plunging into this antique world, however 
much I was now handicapped by having well-nigh forgotten 
the language. On the other hand, while envying Mendels- 
sohn his philological fluency, I could but wonder why this 
philological knowledge had not prevented him from writing 
his music to the dramas of Sophocles, since I, despite my 
ignorance, had more respect for the spirit of antiquity than 
he seemed to display. I have also known a number of other 
musicians, who could make no use of their knowledge of 
Greek in their composing and music-making in general, 
whereas I, strange to say, had worked out an ideal for my 
musical viewpoints, despite my restricted intercourse with 
the antique. Be that as it may, I only know there arose in 
me the vague feeling that the real spirit of the antique was 
as little apprehended by the average teacher of Greek, for 

126 



Circular Letter from Richard Wagner 

example, as a genuine appreciation of French history and 
culture is to be presupposed on the part of our French 
masters. 

"But now comes Dr. Phil. U. W. von Moellendorf with the 
statement that it is the serious aim of scientific philology to 
inculcate into the mind of the German youth the idea that 
'classical antiquity vouchsafes the one and only Imperish- 
able, containing a promise of the favor of the muses in its 
absolute purity and fullness. It is this alone which can 
imbue the soul with the Substance, and the mind with the 
Form'! 

"Still thrilled by this magnificent apostrophe of his 
pamphlet, I look about me in the newly-created German 
Empire, in search of the blessings resulting from the culti- 
vation of this philological science; these blessings should 
surely be manifest, for hedged in by their own inviolability, 
they have hitherto trained our German youth on principles 
none dared to question. First of all, I was struck by the 
fact that every one among us who lays claim to the favor 
of the muses, and this includes practically our whole artistic 
and poetic world, jogs along without recourse to philology. 
At all events, that thorough-going knowledge of the lan- 
guages, which should be made the basis of all classical studies 
pursued by the philologists, does not seem to have extended 
its functions to the correct treatment of our German mother 
tongue. The ever-growing tendency to employ a luxuriant 
jargon which manifests itself in our newspapers and from 
there spreads to the works of our writers on art and 
literature, will soon necessitate racking one's brains every 
time one writes a word, in order to determine whether this 
word belongs rightfully to German etymology, or has been 

127 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

borrowed from a Wisconsin stock market report. But how- 
ever dark things look in the field of belles-lettres, the objec- 
tion could always be advanced that this had nothing to do 
with philology, as this branch of science had pledged her 
services less to the artistic muses than to the scientific. In 
that case, should we not expect to find her influence mani- 
fested among the faculties of our higher educational insti- 
tutions? Theologians, jurists, and the men of the medical 
profession, however, deny having anything to do with 
philology. If this be true, then the philologians will have no 
one to instruct but each other, presumably for the purpose 
of turning out more and more philologians — that is to say, 
more gymnasium masters and university professors, who 
in turn, will bake a fresh batch of gymnasium teachers and 
university professors. This I can understand; the idea 
being to preserve the science in all its purity, and not only 
to inculcate a profound respect for this science upon the 
state, but also to bind upon her conscience the necessity of 
making adequate provision for the salaries of philological 
incumbents. 

"But no ! Dr. Phil. U. W. v. M. expressly states that the 
chief thing should be the training of our German youth by 
all kinds of 'ascetic processes to attain that one Imperish- 
able, promising the favor of the muses.' So, after all, 
philology must have a high aim and one that strives to- 
wards productive culture. This much is to be assumed — 
at least, so it seems to me. However, this tendency seems 
to be in danger of complete disintegration as a result of the 
peculiar process in her present discipline. One thing is 
evident, and that is, philological science at the present time 
exerts no influence whatever upon the general conditions of 

128 



Circular Letter from Richard Wagner 

German culture, whereas on the other hand, the theological 
faculty supplies us with parsons and prelates; the faculty 
of jurisprudence with lawyers and judges, the medical 
faculty with doctors — all of them practical and useful 
citizens. Philology furnishes us with nothing but philolo- 
gists who are not of the slightest use to any one but their 
own little circle. It may be seen from this that the Brahmins 
of India were not of a more exalted and exclusive rank than 
our philologians, and that, therefore, we are justified in 
expecting a word of inspiration from them from time to 
time, and of a truth, that is precisely what we do expect; 
we are awaiting the man who shall step down from this 
marvellous sphere, and without employing erudite terms and 
terrifying quotations, tell us laymen just what it is that 
the initiated perceive behind the veil of their incomprehensible 
researches, and whether it is worth while to maintain so 
expensive a caste. But we expect of this revelation that it 
must be something very great, very elevating, and something 
well worth cultivating, and not merely this elegant tinkling 
of cymbals with which they seek to satisfy us from time 
to time, in their popular lectures to 'mixed* audiences. 
This great and elevating something for which we are waiting, 
seems to be very difficult of utterance ; it almost seems as if 
a peculiar, uncanny apprehension had taken hold of these 
gentlemen and aroused the fear that by dispensing with all 
the mysterious attributes of philological consequentially, 
and with all quotations, annotations and fitting mutual 
felicitations between greater and lesser colleagues — in other 
words, by letting the light of day illumine the dark recesses, 
they would thereby be disclosing the depressing poverty to 
which this particular science had degenerated. 

129 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

"I can imagine that for any one attempting such a thing, 
nothing would remain but to stretch forth a hand and 
forciby seize upon revivifying forces from the inexhaustible 
fountain-heads of human knowledge, which have, hitherto, 
waited in vain to be revivified by philology. Any philologian 
who determined to do anything of this kind would experience 
the same treatment you are now receiving, valued friend, 
since deciding to publish your profound treatise on the 
genesis of tragedy. At the first glance, it was plain to be 
seen that we had to do here with a philologian who was ad- 
dressing himself to us and not to his colleagues ; for this 
reason, our hearts beat high, and we regained our courage, 
completely lost by reading the customary philological dis- 
sertations upon Homer, the tragic poets and the like, filled 
with quotations and empty as to content. This time we had 
a text but no annotations ! Standing on the mountain top, 
we looked across the spreading plains without fear of being 
disturbed by the drunken brawls of the peasants down below. 
But it seems as if we were not to be left in peaceful posses- 
sion of our acquisition, as philology stoutly maintains that 
your feet are still firmly planted on her soil, and that there- 
fore, you are not emancipated, but merely an apostate, and 
that neither you nor any of the rest of us are to be spared 
a sound cudgelling with annotations. As a matter of fact, 
the hailstorm has already broken; a Dr. Phil, has hurled 
regular philological thunderbolts. Fortunately, such storms 
are of short duration at this time of the year, and so long 
as one is raging, all sensible persons remain under cover, just 
as one gives wide berth to an enraged bull. We agree with 
Socrates in thinking that it is absurd to reply to the hoof of 
an ass with the toe of a man, and yet, an explanation is 

130 



Circular Letter from Richard Wagner 

due those of us who have followed the trend of events without 
being able to understand fully just what it is all about. 
Therefore, I now address myself to you ! 

"We had not believed that so much rudeness could be com- 
mitted in the 'service of the muses,' nor that their 'favor' 
produced such a lamentable lack of polish, as we here per- 
ceive in one who claims to possess 'that only imperishable.' 
Now those who, like ourselves, know nothing of philology, 
are disposed to defer to the statements of such a man, par- 
ticularly when these statements are supported by such a 
formidable array of quotations from the archives of the 
guild; but we are plunged into direct doubt, not so much 
by that scholar's wilful non-understanding of your essay, 
but rather by his inability to understand the very simplest 
arguments. We refer here to the passage where he attributes 
to you an optimistic meaning in your quotation from Goethe : 
'Behold thy world. A world indeed!' and indignant with 
you at not understanding your 'Faust' better, deems it 
necessary to explain to you that 'Faust is speaking ironic- 
ally.' 

"What name shall we give this? A question not easy to 
answer in a communication intended for public consumption. 
For my own part, such an experience as the one gained 
irom the case in question, is most disheartening. You will 
remember how zealously I advocated the study of the classics 
some years ago, in my essay on 'German Art and German 
Policy,' and how I predicted a progressive deterioration of 
our national culture as a result of the ever-increasing neglect 
of these studies on the part of our artists and writers. 

"But what does it serve a man if he give himself infinite 
pains to acquire philological knowledge? From the studies 

131 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

of J. Grimm I took an early 'HeUawac,' remodeled it into 
a 'Weiawaga* (a form met with today in the world 'Weih- 
wasser') to make it more adaptable for my purpose; I 
then derived from it the nearly related roots of 'wogen* 
and 'wiegen,' 'wollen' and 'wallen' and thus built up a 
root-syllabic melody for my Rhine Maidens something after 
the analogy of the 'Eia popeia' of our nursery rhymes. 
What was the result? I am hooted to the very doors of the 
Allgememe Zeitung by our journalistic street arabs, and 
it upon this 'proverbial wigala weia,* as he is pleased to 
call it — that a learned Dr. Phil, now bases his contempt 
for my so-called poetry. 

"Of a truth, my friend, you owe us a word or two of ex- 
planation! And by t we > I mean those of us who entertain 
the gravest fear for the future of German culture. These 
fears are increased by a knowledge of the singularly high 
regard foreigners have for this culture, with the early bud- 
ding of which they have only recently become acquainted. 
Unquestionably each nation has its own germ of cretinism. 
In the case of the French we find their absinthe finishing 
what the Academie began, to wit, an absurd attitude of 
childish ridicule of everything not immediately understood, 
and therefore, excluded by the Academie from the national 
scheme of culture. It is true that with us, Philology has not 
yet acquired the power of the Academie, nor is our beer so 
dangerous as absinthe; but the Germans possess other 
qualities, such as envy and the correspondingly mischievous 
spitefulness, allied to a degree of insincerity, which is all 
the more pernicious because it wears the mask of old-time 
sturdiness. These qualities are so pernicious that they 
might easily rank as substitutes for the poisons we have not. 

132 



Circular Letter from Richard Wagner 

"How do matters stand with our German educational 
institutions? This question we address to you in particular, 
singled out as you were at an early age, by a distinguished 
master of philology to occupy a university chair where your 
laurels were so rapidly won as to embolden you to step out 
from this vicious circle and with a hand truly creative, point 
out its shortcomings. 

"We do not mean to hurry you! No pressure will be 
brought to bear upon you, least of all by that Doctor of 
Philosophy who politely invites you to vacate your chair, 
a thing you most assuredly have no intention of doing merely 
to oblige this gentleman, and even should you do so, there 
is not the slightest likelihood of his being chosen to suc- 
ceed you in the place where you have worked. That which 
we expect from you can only be the lifetime task of a 
man sorely needed in high places, a man such as you have 
shown yourself to be to all those who ask enlightenment from 
the noblest wellsprings of the German spirit, from the 
profound seriousness by which it is permeated — as to the 
form to be taken by German culture if it is ever to help the 
re-born nation to achieve its noblest aims and aspirations. 

"Heartfelt greetings from, Yours, 

"Bayreuth, June 12, 1872. Richard Wagner." 



133 



CHAPTER XIV. 



CONFLICTS. 



IT is greatly to be deplored that the letter in which my 
brother expressed his gratitude for Wagner's defense 
of his work should also have been among those destroyed. 
He had feared that Wagner, out of affection for him, 
might write in such a way as would tend to make his position 
in the academic world even more difficult, but happily, the 
circular letter turned out far more discreet and diplomatic 
than my brother had expected. On the other hand, Wagner 
frankly admitted that Nietzsche had injured himself by 
espousing the Wagnerian cause, and regarded his article 
as having done nothing to improve the situation, but had 
rather made matters worse. Expression is given to these 
fears in Wagner's reply to my brother's letter of thanks : 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"0 friend ! 

"You really cause me nothing but anxiety at present, and 
this is just because I think so much of you! Strictly speak- 
ing, you are the one and only gain life has brought me so far, 
aside from my beloved wife. Fortunately, Fidi has now been 
added to my blessings, but there is a gap between us which 
only you can fill — something like the relationship of a son 

134 



Conflicts 

to a grandchild. I have no anxiety about Fidi, but I am 
greatly concerned about you and in so far, about Fidi also. 
This concern is of a rather commonplace character. I wish 
for nothing so much as your physical wellbeing, since every- 
thing else seems to be now assured. Day after day, I have 
carefully re-read the 'Birth,* and at each reading, I say to 
myself: 'If he only regains his health and keeps it, and if 
everything goes well with him in other ways — for things 
must not go wrong with him.' How gladly would one do 
something to help matters along! 

"This has set me to thinking anew as to how a beginning 
could best be made, and it this uncertainty which causes 
my anxiety. But: — hold out a little longer and sooner or 
later, the right way is bound to be found. I should have 
unbounded confidence and my fears would be turned into 
hopes, could I only hear that you had the proper amount of 
confidence in yourself, that you are encouraged about your 
health, and that you are in good spirits. 

"I have not been able to find anything in my 'letters' to 
indicate that I have blazed a path for you (as you say) 
but, on the contrary, it seems to me as if I had done nothing 
but hang an additional burden about your neck. Nor did I 
mean to say that it was necessary for you to 'ripen* for 
your task, but only that your own work will keep you fully 
occupied as long as you live. 

"Nothing but 'Tristan' will still interest you. But take 
off your glasses! You must pay attention to nothing but 
the orchestra. Adieu, dear, well-beloved friend! Shall we 
not see each other soon? 

"Yours, 

"Fantasie, June 25, 1872. Rich. Wagner." 

135 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

Upon learning of Wagner's intention of writing a public 
defense of Nietzsche, Rohde believed it was incumbent upon 
him to retire from the field, but after the publication of 
the Wagner letter, he was more than ever convinced that a 
scientific defense was necessary and my brother took the 
same view of the matter. In re-writing the "Birth of 
Tragedy" and giving a strong Wagnerian inflection to cer- 
tain chapters, my brother was fully conscious of the fact 
that by so doing he was jeopardizing his university career, 
but he was, nevertheless, ready and willing to make this 
sacrifice for Wagner's sake. But now that an attempt was 
being made to discredit him by heaping insults and false 
charges upon his head, he felt the imperative need of de- 
fending his position by every academic weapon at his com- 
mand. Moreover, the knowledge that Willamowitz was 
endeavoring to dislodge him from the university by attacks 
upon his philological integrity, had led him to abandon all 
thought of voluntarily retiring from this post. The entire 
situation had also undergone a complete change in other 
respects as Rohde had been appointed professor at the Kiel 
university, thus relieving him from the soul-wearing duties 
of instructor, and the great success of the preliminary 
festival in Bayreuth had made it no longer necessary to 
travel about making propaganda, as the realization of the 
Bayreuth idea seemed now assured. 

Before going to Basle in 1872, for my customary summer 
visit to my brother, I made a flying trip to Leipzig, in order 
to hear from Professor Ritschl's own mouth his opinion of 
the "Birth of Tragedy" and of the stand taken by my 
brother. I found both him and his wife "incredibly kind and 
well disposed" towards my brother, who was overjoyed at 

136 



Conflicts 

hearing this. The report I brought back with me also 
encouraged Rohde to proceed with his polemic against 
Willamowitz, and thereby prove himself a staunch comrade- 
in-arms to his friend Nietzsche. Many letters were ex- 
changed on this subject and it was finally agreed upon that 
this purely scientific defense should be written in the form 
of a circular letter addressed to Wagner as it was "the 
direct allusion to Wagner and his art in the book, which had 
given the philologians such a shock and aroused such an- 
tagonism." But before proceeding along these lines, Rohde 
wrote to Wagner asking his permission and received the 
following answer: 

Richard Wagner to Er-wm Rohde. 

"My dear friend : 

"Go ahead! I am delighted to hear of your plans and 
especially that you mean to address your communication 
to me. Is anything more than this assurance needed to 
encourage you to undertake your task with enthusiasm? 

"Our friends Nietzsche and Gersdorff were in Munich a 
few days ago to attend a performance of 'Tristan' ; in fact, 
I am expecting Gersdorff to stop over in Bayreuth on his 
way back to Berlin. As for me, I am engaged in finishing 
off my monstrous opus and am feeling quite well, as is also 
my dear wife, who joins me in sending you cordial greetings. 

"I hope that all goes well with you. Yours cordially, 

"Richard Wagner.'* 

Hans von Billow had invited my brother to come to 
Munich for a special performance of "Tristan" ; an invita- 

137 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

tion which he accepted with the greatest joy. He was joined 
there by Gersdorff and the two friends were deeply moved 
by the beauties of the work. Later my brother wrote to 
Rohde: "... I only wish you could hear 'Tristan' — it is the 
most stupendous, the most chaste, and the most astounding 
work that I know. One fairly floats in bliss and exaltation." 
Of all Wagner's works, Tristan always exercised the greatest 
fascination for my brother and from the moment he became 
acquainted with the music, it remained his favorite music- 
drama. As late as 1888, after his relations to Wagner had 
undergone so radical a change, he wrote: "... I look about 
me among all the arts, in vain, for a work of the same 
dangerous fascination, the same infinite thrill and loveliness 
as Tristan; all of Leonardo da Vinci's unique qualities lose 
their charm in listening to the first note of Tristan. This 
work is, by all odds, Wagner's ne plus ultra." 

While Rohde was engaged in writing his polemic against 
Willamowitz, my brother and I spent a quiet, peaceful sum- 
mer in Switzerland, he devoting himself to his philological 
and psychological studies of the Greek world, especially to 
the Homeric contests. He was very happy in this oppor- 
tunity for quiet, undisturbed literary work, although he 
worried not a little at the thought of poor Rohde working 
away on his polemic. On off days, we made delightful little 
excursions to points of interest in the vicinity of Basle and 
often strolled along solitary paths singing passages from 
the Wagnerian dramas. 

This conflict with Willamowitz was the means of bringing 
about a close friendship between my brother and Prof. 
Overbeck, who had always been one of my brother's most 

138 



Conflicts 

ardent champions. It was he who chose the rather clumsy 
title for Rohde's little pamphlet 

"P8E UDO-PHILOLOGY : 

Circular Letter of a Philologian 

to 

Richard Wagner, 

in elucidation of the pamphlet, 

'Philology of the Future,'' 

by 

Prof. Ulrich von Willamowitz-Moellendorf, Ph.D." 

This little brochure appeared the middle of October and 
my brother was deeply moved by this touching proof of 
Rohde's friendship. He writes : ". . . And now your little 
work, written in a spirit of generosity and courageous 
camaraderie, comes tumbling down into the midst of the 
cackling crowd. What a spectacle! Romundt and Over- 
beck, the only persons to whom I have read it as yet, are 
beside themselves for joy over the success of your under- 
taking. They are never tired of pointing out the merits of 
the work, both as a whole and in detail, and call your 
polemics 'Lessmgesque,' and you well know what good Ger- 
mans mean when they make use of this adjective. But what 
pleases me best of all is the deep, booming ground tone, 
like that of a mighty waterfall, by which every work of 
a polemic character must be consecrated if it is to convey 
an impression of true greatness and is to express love, con- 
fidence, strength, grief, hope and victory. Dear friend, I 
was completely overcome, and when you spoke of the 
'friends,' it was some time before I could read further. 

139 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

What beautiful experiences have been vouchsafed me this 
year! And how well they have succeeded in dispelling all 
thought of the calamities that have descended upon my 
unlucky head from other quarters ! I am also proud and 
happy for Wagner's sake, as your work will signify a re- 
markable turning-point in his relations to Germany's scien- 
tific circles. I hear that the 'National Zeitimg* recently 
had the cheek to number me among the 'literary lackeys of 
Wagner'; how great, then, will be the astonishment when 
you also come forward and acknowledge him! 

"That is of still more vital importance than for you to 
stand by me. Is it not so, dear old friend? And it is just 
because I see what you have done for Wagner, out of friend- 
ship for me, that makes this one of the happiest days of 
my whole life." 

Wagner also wrote a cordial letter of thanks to Rohde, 
saying: 

"My dear friend: 

"I find that, with and through Nietzsche, I have got into 
very good company. You cannot know what it means to a 
man who has spent a long life in the society of inferior or 
rather stupid persons, at last to be able to say: God be 
praised, here comes a new type of man, possibly an entire 
generation. When this happens, one feels compensated for 
having been obliged to live for half a century in a madhouse. 
These changed conditions only began after I met Nietzsche. 
Previous to that meeting, my world swung in no wider orbit 
than that of Pohl, Mohl and Porges and I cannot tell you 
how wonderful this change seems to me. Now, please do 
not ask me to write you anything further. I believe that 

140 



Conflicts 

my wife has already written you — at least, I know that 
yesterday she wrote to Gersdorff on the subject of the 
'Pseudo-Philology' (dreadful word!). We took the great- 
est delight in your work and find it a worthy companion 
piece and complement to the 'Birth' itself. For us, the 
chief thing was that we were edified by this dissertation and 
that, furthermore, we have learned to love and appreciate 
the 'real man.' Such things should unquestionably be of 
help to all of us, but personally, I have not the courage to 
bestow even a glance upon the future morass of the human 
race. After all, this is a matter we may safely leave to God, 
and let him arrange affairs to His own honor and glory. 

"Accept our cordial greetings and my especial thanks for 
the great and genuine honor you have conferred upon me. 
"Yours sincerely, 

"Richard Wagner." 

At this time my brother was struggling with many diffi- 
culties and discouragements, and as a birthday present to 
himself (October 15, 1872) he wrote a letter in which he 
unburdened his heart to Wagner. In reply, the master wrote 
him in a very affectionate strain, which gives rise to renewed 
regrets that my brother's letter was destroyed at Wahnf ried. 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche, 

"Dear friend: 

"It was really splendid of you to write to me on your 
birthday, at the same time my wife was writing to you. What 
you say is very comforting and agreeably expresses the 
serious mood which seems to have taken possession of us all 

141 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

at present. This mood might almost be called one of ap- 
prehension created by our disgust at everything we see and 
hear. Under the influence of this mood we again ask our- 
selves the question : What is to be done with this disreputable 
old world? Liszt has been with us for eight days. We 
learned to love him anew, but when he left we were filled 
with the same old misgivings. What did we not hear from 
him of all that is taking place in the world, of which to be 
sure, we already knew quite enough, but which fairly 
frightened us to death when thus heard in detail ! Knowing 
that the world classes us together as outcasts, he thought 
he would be doing us a favor by repeating all sorts of base- 
ness and ingratitude. More and more, I have the feeling 
that I know but little of my own age, and possibly it is 
better so if one is writing for posterity. But it is a curious 
thing, this being made to feel as if I were a novice under 
constant surveillance. When one is working among the 
primeval elements, as it were, he comes to realize how im- 
perative is the unbounded solitude of the individual. I am 
now better able to understand what it was that so often 
stifled and suffocated you. It was because you looked about 
you too much in the world. The thing now is to see and yet 
not to see. By abandoning all hope, one can possibly rid 
himself also of despair. The feeling is growing in my mind 
that the only possible means a man has of distinguishing 
himself from the age in which he lives is to become thor- 
oughly conscious of his own strength, and to do this, if needs 
be, by engaging in a pitched battle with the meanness and 
pettiness of the age. As far as I am concerned, I have ar- 
rived at the point where I do not intend to mince matters, 
and should the Empress Augusta cross my path she would 

142 



Conflicts 

fare precisely as others do in this respect. Something must 
come of all this, for one thing is certain : compromise is not 
to be considered for a moment. Having got one's self so 
cordially hated, the only thing to be done is to make one's 
self feared. . . . 

"I think more and more about 'What is German?' and my 
latest studies on this question have aroused the most re- 
markable degree of scepticism in my mind, so that I am 
now beginning to believe that 'being German' is a purely 
metaphysical conception. As such, however, it is intensely 
interesting to me, and in any case, is unique in the history 
of the world, and is to be compared only to Judaism, unless 
Hellenism can also be made to serve as an historical parallel. 

"And then I turn my eyes upon my son, my Siegfried. The 
boy is growing sturdier and stronger every day and is no 
less ready with his wits than with his fists. He is a complete 
marvel to me, and if despair has been chased away by the 
presence of my beloved wife at my side — I am now learning 
from the boy what it means to hope again. And so the old 
dance begins anew but this time to a more vigorous rhythm. 
It is the boy, my friend, who causes me to turn now to you 
and inspires me with a passionate desire — from reasons of 
pure family egotism, it must be confessed — to see all the 
hopes I have placed in you pushed forward to fulfillment, 
for the boy needs you — ah ! how he needs you ! 

"But I have said this to you before. You know one is given 
to repetition as one grows older! It is the same with my 
expectorations in brochure form with which I have deluged 
the world, and you in particular. You have doubtless re- 
ceived the essay on 'Actors and Singers.' This is another 
way of getting at the matter; this time, I have worked 

143 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

directly through the comedians. And again it has happened 
that no sooner have I finished, than all sorts of pertinent 
ideas occur to me thus leaving me a hook upon which to 
hang a future brochure. But just think of all this being 
wasted upon the desert air! In thinking the matter over, 
I have not the faintest idea to whom I could send the gratis 
copies. Would you like to have some for your colleagues in 
Basle? Rohde, of course, will receive one. By the way, 
the reference to your Basle colleagues, reminds me to an- 
nounce our approaching visit to you and your friends. 
Early in November we are planning to start out on our 
voyage of discovery through the German Empire. The first 
interruption in our regular itinerary will be a visit to the 
celebrated dentist in Basle whose services can no longer be 
dispensed with. I imagine that this will take about eight 
full days, and thus there would be eight evenings which we 
hope to spend in the society of you and your friends, and 
thereby feel ourselves compensated for all the bad treatment 
we are obliged to endure during the day. As now planned 
we shall arrive about the third week in November, at which 
time, we will obtain from you assurances as to the where- 
abouts and willingness of the American (dentist). Our life 
here is a somewhat dissolute one occasioned by our removal 
to the Dammallee. Liszt's visit was the outstanding event, 
during which the capacity of our present 'salon' was put 
to the severest test. As far as such a thing is possible, we 
have come to a clear understanding with this wonderful 
man and we regret all the more profoundly that we had — 
and have — very little hope of being able to do anything for 
this ruined life. It is still possible that he may decide to 
settle down with us here in Bayreuth. After hearing your 

144 



Conflicts 

'New Year's Echoes,'' he found Billow's harsh verdict very 
extreme. Without having heard you play the composition 
(and this, for us, was the decisive factor) he pronounced a 
different and much more favorable judgment upon your 
'music' Therefore, let us drop the Bulow intermezzo ; it 
seems to me as if here two singular personalities of the most 
extreme viewpoints had come in violent contact. All of this 
I say to you by way of parenthesis, for when all is said and 
done, the most vital thing is that each one of us must come 
to a clear understanding with himself, quite independent of 
outside criticism. Last summer I re-read your book and my 
wife has devoured it again more recently. I am sure that 
your ears must have burned just as if they heard very good 
music. 

"At last you will receive a very respectable letter from me. 
May my chatter fill you with fresh courage, and at any rate, 
serve to show that in the long run, I am not affected by the 
baseness and meanness of men and things. A further ad- 
vantage I gain thereby is that of being able to speak to you 
in a cheerful strain. 

"Greetings from all of us with the hope of seeing you soon 
in the city of Erasmus. 

"Yours faithfully, 

"Bayreuth, Oct. 24, 1872. Richard Wagner." 

My brother wrote to Gersdorff telling him of Frau Wag 
ner's comments after re-reading the "Birth of Tragedy" : 

"During her convalescence, Frau Wagner re-read my 
book and now writes to me that she is 'obliged to marvel 
anew at the supreme skill displayed in the presentation' ; 
'you will never write anything better, valued friend,' she 

145 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

continues, 'as I consider any greater degree of perfection 
than is to be found here as quite out of the question; but 
you will write other books equally good, on other themes.' 
Can you imagine my feelings upon reading these words? I 
was arrogant and abashed at the same time. But above all, 
I felt myself called upon to aspire to greater, more daring 
and more ideal aims, if I were henceforth to be satisfied with 
my own productive work. You wrote of 'simplicity and 
greatness' — it is as if these words had been spoken from 
my own heart as they embody my own ideals." 

From the following letter it will be seen how the thought 
of Wagner always filled my brother with joy and confidence: 

Friedrich Nietzsche to Richard Wagner. 

"Dear master: 

"In view of all that I have experienced of late, I have no 
right to be discouraged, for as a matter of fact, I live and 
move in a solar system of love and friendship, of comforting 
assurances and inspiring hopes. But, notwithstanding all 
this, there is one point which causes me a great deal of 
momentary uneasiness. Our winter semester has opened and 
I have no students at all. Our philologians have all remained 
away. It is really a humiliation for me, and one to be care- 
fully concealed from the outside world. But to you, dear 
master, I have always confided everything and can, there- 
fore, tell you this also. The state of affairs is not at all 
difficult to explain. I have suddenly been discredited among 
my philological colleagues and our little university is obliged 
to suffer in consequence. This distresses me beyond measure, 
for I am really very devoted and deeply grateful and would 

146 



Conflicts 

not for the world have done anything to injure the interests 
of the institution. My philological colleagues, as well as 
Dean Fischer are celebrating in a manner never before vouch- 
safed them in the whole course of their academic careers. 
Up until the last half-year, the number of students registered 
in the philological department was steadily on the increase— 
and now, all of a sudden, they are blown away as if by 
magic. All of this corresponds perfectly, to things that 
have come to my knowledge concerning conditions at other 
universities. It goes without saying that Leipzig is fairly 
bursting with envy and conceit, every one condemns me and 
even those 'who know me' are unable to rise above a feeling 
of compassion for the 'absurdity* I have committed. A 
professor of philology at the Bonn university, for whom I 
have never entertained a very high regard, settled the matter 
once for all with his students, by pronouncing my book 
'absolute rubbish' of which nothing could be made; further- 
more, that any one who would write such rubbish was 
'scientifically dead.* 

"I have also heard of a student who intended coming to 
Basle, but was persuaded to remain in Bonn, and now has 
written to a relative here saying that he thanked God that he 
had been kept away from a university where I was teaching. 
In the face of all this antagonism, do you really believe that 
Rohde's generous deed will accomplish anything more than 
increase the hatred and jealousy already existing against 
us two? Rohde and I, most emphatically, expect nothing 
else. All this could be borne, however, were not the little 
university which has shown me so much kindness and placed 
so much confidence in me — obliged to suffer on my account. 
This distresses me deeply, and will eventually lead to deci- 

147 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

sions which, for other reasons, I have already had under 
consideration for some time. By the way, I can make good 
use of this winter semester, now that I am nothing more 
than an ordinary school-master and obliged to fall back 
on pedagogy. 

"This then is the 'dark point,' but otherwise all is light 
and hope. I would be a morose mole, indeed, did not letters 
such as the one you have just written, cause me to leap for 
joy. And you are really coming? I praise my lucky stars 
and the dentist, for I would never have dared dream of such 
a possibility. Would you not prefer to try the 'Three 
Kings' this time? I consider it better than 'Euler'; my 
sister and I took our meals there this summer and spent a 
very jolly day there with Fraulein von Meysenburg and the 
newly-wedded pair, Herzen-Monod. 

"Your splendid essay on * Actors and Singers' has again 
kindled in me the desire to have some one make a compre- 
hensive review from your researches and conclusions in the 
field of aesthetics, and thereby show what radical changes have 
taken place in regard to artistic viewpoints, — changes 
whereby these viewpoints have been deepened and intensified 
so that practically nothing remains of the traditional 
theories of '^Esthetics.' 

"I have also been devoting a great deal of thought (while 
on the Spluegen) as to the part choreography played in the 
structure of the Greek tragedy, and the relation existing 
between the plastic arts and the mimicry and grouping of 
the actors. In considering this question, it came to my 
mind what a striking example JEschylus has given us of the 
very thing of which you speak, namely, that even in our 
texts, the symmetry of motion is suggested by the most 

148 



Conflicts 

marvellous metrical symmetry, and your tragedies awaken 
in me the glorious hope that herein will be found just the 
right standards, aims and canons necessary for the estab- 
lishment of a genuinely German style of gesture and plastic 
realism. With a mind made receptive by the foregoing 
thoughts, I read your essay as if it were a revelation. 

"Then came Rohde's pamphlet. After having read it, was 
I not justified in asserting that I was in the right even to 
the smallest side issues? Nevertheless, it is extremely com- 
forting to have this confirmed by a second person. There 
are times when one grows very distrustful of one's own 
efforts, especially when one is set upon by the entire profes- 
sion. It distresses me to think what my poor friend must 
have suffered while thrashing around with such a 'gang.' 
It was only the thought of you, dear master, which sustained 
him and gave him strength and courage to persist in his 
task. We are now both very happy in having one and the 
same prototype — and do you not think that the world must 
envy me the possession of such a friend as Rohde? 

"By way of curiosity, I must tell you that I was recently 
approached by a musician, who while ostensibly asking my 
advice in regard to an operatic text, really had me in mind 
as the author of such a text. I wrote him a very wise 
epistle, strongly dissuading him from any such plan, but 
suggesting that he should try his hand at a cantata — per- 
haps make a new setting of Goethe's 'Walpurgis Nacht,' but 
a better one than Mendelssohn's! I am curious to know 
whether or not he will take my advice. But isn't the whole 
thing a great joke? 

"With the hope that during your pilgrimage through dear, 
disgraceful Germany you may meet with the same good for- 

149 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

tune which attended you in Bayreuth, and in anticipation 
of your final wishes regarding your forthcoming visit to 
Basle, I close for today, with a heartfelt farewell and Auf 
Wiedersehen. 

"Ever faithfully yours, 

"F. N." 

Nothing came of Wagner's projected visit to Basle, but 
instead he sent a telegram to my brother asking him to meet 
him in Strassburg on November 21st: 

"Changed plans necessitate abandoning Basle visit. Please 
cancel all engagements. If possible, meet us in Strassburg 
Friday evening prepared to remain until Sunday. Address 
Hotel Marquardt, Stuttgart. 

"Wagner." 

This meeting with Wagner and Frau Cosima passed off 
most pleasantly and both were astonished to find my brother 
in such good spirits, despite all the strain made upon him 
by professional antagonism, duties of office, composing and 
travelling. Upon his return to Basle, Frau Cosima wrote: 
"How delighted we were to find you in such good spirits 
and health, dear friend! You really exemplify the Goethe- 
Mazzini maxim and you looked so well and resolute that it 
was a genuine joy to be with you." And it is true that at 
that time, my brother seemed to have fully recovered from 
the nervous breakdown brought on by the war. Professor 
Holzer had in mind the writings and epigrams of this period 
when he wrote the following beautiful tribute to my brother : 

"It is the early Nietzsche who is speaking to us here — the 
friend of Richard Wagner and the Nietzsche so dearly be- 

150 



Conflicts 

loved of Erwin Rohde. The young Nietzsche, hopeful, 
confident, looking towards the future with a supreme faith 
in his ideals and his friends ; the combative Nietzsche, who 
in the early '70's was in the full possession of his powers 
of body and mind, 'fiery, elastic, and as conscious of his own 
strength as a young lion' as he appeared to his friend 
Deussen." 

Before closing this chapter, I must mention the fact, that 
Dr. von Willamowitz replied to Rohde's splendidly con- 
vincing and felicitous polemic, but his pamphlet attracted 
very little attention as he was unable to hold his own against 
Rohde's scientific arguments. 



151 



CHAPTER XV. 



MISUNDERSTANDINGS. 



(1873.) 

WHENEVER Wagner had not seen my brother for 
some time, he was in the habit of remarking that 
such long separations could easily lead to painful 
misunderstandings. My brother took no pains to contradict 
this statement as emphatically as Frau Wagner evidently 
expected, and this explains a passage from one of her letters 
in which she says: ". . . Believe me when I say that there 
can be no estrangement or misunderstanding between you 
two. I confess that I have been most uneasy on this score, 
but am now convinced that such a thing can never happen." 
But strangely enough, the year 1873 started in with a 
misunderstanding of a very serious nature. My brother was 
at home on a visit and was overjoyed at the thought of being 
able to work on his Greek book undisturbedly. As his holi- 
days were very brief, he let it be known that he wished to 
spend all of his time with us, in fact, our dear mother laid 
great stress upon this as she generously lent me to my 
brother for six or eight months of the year, and was there- 
fore quite justified in thinking that she saw very little of 
her children, particularly of her son. In the midst of his 
vacation, an invitation came from Wagner urging my brother 
to come at once to Bayreuth and start back to Basle from 

152 



Misunderstandings 

there. Not wishing to offend my mother, and reluctant to 
curtail his own period of rest — my brother felt obliged to 
decline this invitation, but had he understood the interpre- 
tation Wagner, at times, placed upon such refusals, he 
would, possibly, have disregarded all other considerations 
and gone. It was not until later that he learned of Wagner's 
having once taken deadly offense at Peter Cornelius for a 
like indiscretion. It seems that Cornelius had been per- 
emptorily summoned to Munich and had excused himself 
on the plea that he was obliged to work on his "Cid." 
". . . Just as if he couldn't have worked on it quite as well 
here in Munich !" grumbled Wagner indignantly upon re- 
ceiving this answer. As a matter of fact, Wagner had not 
the faintest conception of the extent to which his faithful 
admirers were influenced by proximity to him, and thereby 
impeded in their own productive work. 

As a somewhat belated Christmas and birthday present, 
my brother sent Frau Cosima five splendid little treatises, 
which he called "Five Prefaces to Five Unwritten Works." 
The individual titles were: 1. "The Pathos of Truth." 2. 
"On the Future of our Educational Institutions." 3. "The 
Greek State." 4. "The Relation of Schopenhauer's Philoso- 
phy to German Culture." 5. "The Homeric Contests." 
The following dedicatory lines were written in the prettily 
bound book: 

"To Frau Cosima Wagner, 
in genuine admiration and by way of answer to 
many verbal and written questions. This little 
book was written in a pleasurable frame of mind 
during the Christmas holidays of 1872." 
153 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

My brother received not a word of thanks for this offering, - 
nor was he the recipient of the customary New Year's greet- 
ings, something which he would have been at a loss to explain 
had he not known that Wagner and his wife had started out 
on a big concert tour including Berlin, Hamburg and other 
large cities. 

In the meantime, he felt himself called upon to write a 
little polemic against one of Wagner's enemies, thus giving 
irrefutable proof of his sincere admiration for Wagner, as 
nothing was more distasteful to my brother than a task of 
this sort. Late in the autumn, he had written an indignant 
letter to Rohde, in which he said : "You know of course, that 
an alienist has proven 'in noble language' that Wagner is 
insane, and that another authority has done the same thing 
in regard to Schopenhauer. You can see from this, how 
the 'sane' come to each other's assistance ; it is true that they 
do not decree the scaffold for all those 'ingenia* who prove 
inconvenient for their scientific classifications, but these 
stealthy, malicious calumnies serve their purpose better 
than a sudden removal, as they are designed to undermine 
the confidence of coming generations." 

At the beginning of the new year, my brother was given 
an opportunity of serving the Wagner cause in a manner 
more nearly to his liking. The German Musical Society had 
offered a prize for the best essay, from ninety to one hundred 
and twenty pages, on the subject of Wagner's Nibelung 
drama. My brother was one of the first persons to be ap- 
proached by Professor Riedel with the request that he act 
as one of the judges. To this he readily consented, but upon 
learning of the conditions of the competition decided that 
the amount of the prize money was far too insignificant, 

154 



Misunderstandings 

and his successful attempt to "screw this up" to three hun- 
dred thalers, is the theme of the following letter addressed 
to Prof. Riedel: 

"... I have had time to consider carefully the various 
difficulties connected with our undertaking, as I have been 
confined to bed for several days, and I now hasten to answer 
your valued letter and submit my views on the subject for 
your favorable consideration. First of all, let us be very 
cautious and critical in the choice of the third member of 
the adjudicating committee. ... If you will be good enough 
to listen to a suggestion from me on this point, my advice 
would be to appoint Herr Hans von Billow, of whose uncon- 
ditionally sound judgment and critical severity I entertain 
the highest possible opinion. Much depends upon being 
able to present a very high-sounding name, one that will be 
both stimulating and awe-inspiring, and there is no doubt 
as to these conditions being admirably filled by the name of 
Biilow. Are we agreed on this point? 

"But now comes another matter of even greater impor- 
tance. Dear Herr Professor, I find the amount of the prize 
money ridiculously low, particularly, if one takes into consid- 
eration the tremendous importance of the theme and the 
occasion. At all events, we should be able to compete with 
the customary prizes offered by any German academy, as 
anything less than this would seem to me to be unworthy of 
the name of so great a man and so unique a cause. On the 
other hand, I would regard any large expenditure on our 
part as nothing less than a criminal proceeding, so long as 
the Bayreuth finances are in such a bad way. Therefore, the 
following plan has occurred to me which is herewith sub- 
mitted for your consideration. 

155 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

"Let the Society offer an entire Patron's Certificate as a 
prize, the money for which is to be raised in the following 
manner : We already have at our disposal a hundred thalers. 
We will sell the prize essay to some enterprising publisher 
for, say, another hundred (about 130 pages, first edition 
1000 — that is to say, about 13 thalers for a 'Bogen'; this is 
a very modest and respectable price which should be readily 
obtainable for a really good piece of work. In this way, we 
would have 200 thalers, to which I will add a personal sub- 
scription of 50 thalers, under the condition that some one 
else can be found to give the remaining 50. (Perhaps the 
society?) I can assure you that the competition for a 
whole Patron's Certificate would be a most lively one. We 
must, by all means, appeal to the very best element in German 
literary circles and not lose sight of the fact that we have 
a great responsibility to discharge towards the public. I 
will only add, that this contest must be conducted in a man- 
ner utterly above reproach, and in every way worthy of the 
great cause." 

Having received no communication of any kind from 
Bayreuth since the beginning of December, 1873, my brother 
would have had every reason to be astonished at this long 
silence on the part of his friends had not Rohde written him 
a detailed account of Wagner's visit to Hamburg. Rohde's 
letter contained all sorts of messages from Frau Wagner, 
so that my brother accepted this as a provisory answer and 
gave no more thought to the matter. Rohde wrote: "... I 
spent three days in Hamburg — Tuesday, Wednesday and 
Thursday — heard two concerts and attended a most inade- 
quate performance of the 'Meistersmger,'' given in Wagner's 
honor. The two concerts interested me deeply, despite the 

156 



Misvm.de rst andmgs 

deficiencies in the orchestra, as I had never heard certain 
numbers, such as the Vorspiel to 'Lohengrin,'' V or spiel and 
Finale of 'Tristan and Isolde,'' the Love song from the 
'Walkiire' ( 'Winterstiirme wichen' — ) and the Forging Songs 
from 'Siegfried' given in the right tempo and spirit. In 
addition to this, I had the gratification of seeing my 
native city conduct itself in a most exemplary manner. 
The real haute volee arranged a very well-appointed banquet 
(which I was unluckily unable to attend) with toasts by 
distinguished citizens — in short, the public displayed at least 
a trace of appreciation of Wagner's great significance above 
and beyond such questions as conductors, first and second 
tenors, and the like. 

"I believe that the success achieved here will not fail to 
bear gratifying fruits from a pecuniary standpoint, at least, 
so long as Wagner remains the fashion and the good burghers 
of Hamburg do not allow themselves to be talked out of their 
inclination by the native 'musicians' and 'critics,' to which, 
I must confess, they have a deplorable tendency. Person- 
ally speaking, the most important thing would have been to 
have had an opportunity for a quiet talk with our two 
friends, but this was not to be thought of owing to the 
everlasting confusion and Wagner's natural fatigue." 

He then continues : "In the few moments we had together, 
your name was often mentioned. First of all, Frau Wagner 
sends you her warmest greetings and begs you to forgive her 
long silence in regard to your gift, every moment was oc- 
cupied in Berlin and things were no better in Hamburg. 
Of course you received the telegram I sent you in Frau 
Wagner's name? It read: 

" 'While listening to the strains of the Forging Songs, 

157 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

grateful and friendly thoughts go out to you from one who 
regrets her unavoidable silence . . . Cosima Wagner.' " 

In order to keep Wagner informed as to the progress of 
his philological studies, my brother sent him to Berlin a 
privately printed thesis taken from the "Rheinisches Mu- 
seum" on the subject of "The Florentine Tractate on Homer 
and Hesiod: Their Race and their Contests." This also 
remained unacknowledged, until finally, on February 12th, 
a letter arrived from Frau Cosima, saying: "... I begin 
this letter in a state of the most unusual embarrassment. 
There is so much that I should like to say to you, dear 
friend, explain, apologize, congratulate, thank you and give 
you a report of ourselves. But the truth of the matter is 
that I returned home yesterday in a state of complete ex- 
haustion to find that my bonne has left and there is no one 
to look after the children but myself. God only knows what 
success I shall have with this letter. But one thing I know 
and that is, I would rather send it badly written than not 
at all. 

"You knew full well the delightful surprise you would give 
me by sending me your book so rich in content. I know of 
no gift which I would have prized more highly, and you will 
undoubtedly ask why I did not write at once to thank you, 
even though it had only been a few lines. This would have 
sufficed to let you know what was in my heart and had I been 
obliged to do this without having first read the manuscript, 
you would, at least have been assured of my deep apprecia- 
tion of the intention which I valued as highly as I did your 
significant literary offering. You will also ask why I 
ignored the arrival of the package and allowed the beginning 
of the New Year to pass by without sending you, at least 

158 



Misunderstandings 

a telegram to show you that my thoughts were with you. 
This is precisely the point upon which I wish to be perfectly 
frank with you, as nothing less than absolute candor seems 
to me to be worthy of the pleasure your book has given me 
and from which I am still drawing my mental refreshment. 
The master was offended because you did not accept his 
invitation and by the manner you took of announcing that 
you could not come. At the time, I could not make up my 
mind whether to tell you this or not, and finally decided to 
leave it to time to repair the insignificant breach, and to 
cause the true feelings to blossom forth again in all their 
purity. 

"Today, I can say that this has come to pass, and when 
your name is mentioned, I no longer hear the slightest accent 
of wounded friendship but only those of affection and grati- 
tude for the new pleasure you have brought into our lives. 
We were indescribably fascinated and impressed by the 
thoughts expressed in the preface to the 'Homeric Con- 
tests,' but why should this remain a 'preface to an unwritten 
work'? It seems to me that here you are absolutely at home 
and in your native element. Would it not be possible to fuse 
the ideas contained in this preface and those of the preface 
to the 'Greek State' into one complete whole? Would it not 
be a truly 'happy deed,' to make use of this unfelicitous 
expression, to employ your intimate knowledge, as well as 
your penetrating discernment, in showing to our age the 
value of this culture? Nowhere could I find the cheerful 
Greeks, but the cheerful centaurs, and if Goethe character- 
izes his Faust as a tragelaphus, how then are we to charac- 
terize the products of our modern culture — be it men or 
books? But on the other hand, I think I can understand 

159 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

why you do not wish to write Nos. 2 and 4 — you see that 
I indicate your prefaces by number as a certain pastor of 
our acquaintance does his children — for a thoroughgoing 
examination into the stupidity of mankind and the sense- 
lessness of existing institutions would not only be a hope- 
less task, but a perfectly futile one as well. You would 
be influenced by another reason in not wishing to work out 
your 'Pathos of Truth' and this reason you have stated 
with sufficient distinctness in the closing sentence of the 
preface. Curiously enough, I have given much thought to 
questions of philosophy and art and have always endeavored 
to find a satisfactory explanation for the fact that I am 
more powerfully affected by the latter. I had finally come 
to the conclusion that it was because art reflects creation 
in her creations, and that both are as enigmatic as life itself, 
so that the soul experiences a sense of relief when these two 
enigmas are brought into harmony. Philosophy, on the 
other hand, condemned to deal with interpretations, bears 
about the same relation to the primeval truths as Schopen- 
hauer's allegorical dream does to the dreams that come to 
us during a heavy sleep. 

"I believe that a genuine philosophic knowledge must be 
the basis of every intellectual task, but I also agree with 
you in thinking that one should philosophize as little as 
possible — that is to say, to speak of such things as little as 
possible, but on the other hand, to think and cogitate all 
the more. From these few lines you will see how inex- 
pressibly stimulating I have found this first preface. The 
reason is that it agrees so perfectly with my own reflections 
on the subject, just as No. 5 seems to me to be the approach 
to that which is my ideal of right. . . .'* 

160 



Misunderstandings 

Wagner made no attempt to clear away the misunder- 
standing, but delegated this task to Frau Cosima. His next 
letter was chiefly one of concern over the loss of the thesis 
from the "Rheinisches Museum." and not until the close of 
the letter, did he relapse into the old tone of confidential 
friendship. 

Later my mother learned from Gersdorff, who had spent 
the Christmas holidays in Bayreuth, that Wagner had 
literally raved and declared in endless repetition, how dear 
my brother was to him, but that Nietzsche always held back 
and preferred to go his own way. 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"O friend: 

"I had bad luck, indeed! But how could you send the 
package containing your philosophic treatise to Berlin? 
To make a long story short — after I had returned home 
and had had time to regain my equilibrium, I looked for the 
brochures, and despite the most persistent search, found 
nothing but the third volume beginning with page 211. In 
place of the missing pages, I come across heaps of antiquar- 
ian catalogues and brochures of Meistersinger motives and 
the like, by the dozen. Would it be possible for you to 
replace the missing parts? It would mean a great deal to 
me. 

"Do not demand — or expect anything from me that could, 
in any way, be interpreted as an expansion of feeling. Last 
night, I had my first good sleep for a long time undisturbed 
by disgusting conditions. I have fallen out of conceit with 
many things. There are moments when I lose myself in 

161 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

deep reflection, and at such times, you usually appear before 
me — always connected in some way with Fidi. But such 
moments are of short duration and then Wagner societies 
and Wagner concerts begin to dance around me in dizzy 
circles. Therefore — have patience! Just as I am often 
obliged to have it with you. 

"Yours most faithfully, 
"Bayreuth, Feb. 27, 1873. Rich. Wagner." 

Upon the heels of this letter came a telegram, saying: 
"Brochures packed by mistake with the score of the 'Stair- 
case Music.' Therefore found, no need re-order. Wagner." 

Everything was thus explained, but my brother shook his 
head dubiously and wrote to Gersdorff : "... I have received 
splendid letters from Wagner and Frau Cosima. I learned 
what I had not known before, that Wagner was deeply 
offended because I did not put in my appearance at New 
Year's. Of this I had not the slightest suspicion, but you 
knew it, dear friend, and yet kept silent. Now all the clouds 
have been cleared away and perhaps it is just as well that 
I knew nothing about it at the time, as there are many 
things that one only makes worse instead of better. God 
only knows how often I unconsciously offend the master; 
each time this is a fresh surprise for me and for the life of 
me, I cannot get at the bottom of the matter. I am all the 
happier, therefore, that peace has again been restored. Are 
you familiar with Wagner's splendid essay on 'State and 
Religion' which has just appeared in print although it was 
written in 1864 as a private manuscript for the king of 
Bavaria? It is one of the profoundest of all his literary 
productions and is 'edifying' in the noblest sense of the 

162 



Miswnderstamdvngs 

word. . . . Do tell me what you think of this repeated 
giving of offense. I cannot imagine how anyone could be 
more loyal to Wagner in all fundamental matters than I am ; 
if I were able to think of any way of showing this loyalty 
more plainly, I should certainly do so. But it is absolutely 
imperative for me to preserve my personal freedom in un- 
important secondary matters, and a certain avoidance of 
a too frequent personal intercourse is for me almost a 
'sanitary* necessity. I only do this, however, in order to 
be better able to preserve my loyalty in the truest and high- 
est sense. 

"Naturally, not a word can be said of all this, but I feel 
it keenly and am thrown into despair when anger, distrust 
and silence result therefrom. It never occurred to me for 
a moment that I was giving offense this time, and I fear 
that a repetition of such experiences will have the effect of 
increasing my anxiety. Please, dearest friend, let me have 
your candid opinion on the subject. . . ." 

But the friend only consoled him with comforting and 
sympathetic words so that once more, the "flying gnats" 
were frightened away. 

In the letter from Cosima, quoted above, she said she did 
not quite know what to make of the words : "in a pleasurable 
frame of mind" used by my brother in the dedication of her 
Christmas present. The fact is, that this simple, self-satis- 
fying manner of working, common to philosophers and 
scholars, was unknown to Wagner, who when engaged in 
creative work always demeaned himself pathetically — one 
might almost say, theatrically. Therefore the "pleasurable 
frame of mind" found neither understanding nor response 
in Bayreuth. As early as the late autumn of 1872, I acci- 

163 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

dentally learned how depressed the executive committee in 
Bayreuth was over the slow progress being made on the 
Festival Theatre and how slowly the funds for this purpose 
were coming in. Upon hearing this, I felt called upon to 
renounce a number of long-cherished plans, among them a 
trip to Italy which I had arranged to take in company with 
an English acquaintance. The money I had laid aside for 
this trip was diverted to the purchase of a Patron's Cer- 
tificate for my brother, but I frankly confess that the 900 
marks sent to Herr Emil Heckel in Mannheim represented 
an outlay that it was not easy for me to make. This had 
to be carefully concealed from my mother and my brother 
was vehemently opposed to my making such a sacrifice. The 
low ebb of the Bayreuth finances may be judged by the fact 
that even this insignificant sum (a mere drop in the bucket 
compared to the total amount needed) received particular 
mention in a letter Wagner wrote to Heckel on November 
28, 1872: 

". . . When any payments are made to you, such as the 
recent one from Fraulein Nietzsche, please transfer the money 
immediately to Herr Feustel as I know from his latest report 
that he is made very uneasy in regard to our undertaking 
when no comforting assurances in the shape of contributions 
are coming in. . . ." Wagner was so deeply touched by the 
"sacrifice I had made for his great cause," that he in turn 
presented me with a Patron's Certificate, purchased out of 
the special fund contributed by friends of Bayreuth, during 
his recent concert tour in Germany. He was mistaken, how- 
ever, in thinking that the money I had spent was in the 
nature of a deprivation, whereas it was only a passive sac- 
rifice. Wagner wrote to me: 

164 



Misunderstandings 

"My dear Fraulein: 

"You are not the only person who can create Patrons. 
I can also do this — the money you saved by economizing, I 
earned by conducting, and I should like to know which one 
of us perspired the more? 

"At all events, when the time arrives, you will come to 
Bayreuth as a full-fledged patron. Cordial greetings from 
my wife. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Bayreuth, April 8, 1873. Richard Wagner." 

Determined that no further estrangement should occur 
between Wagner and himself, and remembering that Rohde 
had expressed the desire of being alone with Nietzsche in 
Bayreuth some time — my brother inquired if it would be 
convenient for him to come with his friend for a short visit 
at Easter. Wagner telegraphed the following answer: 

"Always overjoyed by sensible suggestions, especially 
when they take the form of announcing a visit herewith 
heartily welcomed. Expect you Sunday. 

"Richard Wagner." 

Beside himself for joy, my brother wrote to Gersdorff on 
April 5, 1873 : 

"Dearest friend: 

"Telegrams are flying back and forth between Heidelberg, 
Niirnberg and Bayreuth. Just think, I leave tomorrow for 
an eight days' vacation and will be joined by Rohde day 
after tomorrow? And where? Naturally, in Bayreuth! I 

165 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

can hardly bring myself to believe it, it has all happened so 
rapidly and unexpectedly. Eight days ago, neither of us 
had thought of such a thing. I am already overcome with 
emotion and my heart is beating high at the mere thought 
of our meeting at the station in Bayreuth. Every step will 
be full of memories of last year — of those days which were 
the very happiest of my whole life. There was something in 
the very air which I have never felt elsewhere, something 
quite indescribable but filled with the richest promise. How 
many things we shall have to talk over, you, of course, among 
them. My delight today is of a quite irrational sort, for it 
seems to me that everything is so splendidly arranged that 
not even a god could wish for anything better. I hope that 
this visit will atone for the mistake I made in not going at 
Christmas, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart, 
for your friendly and energetic intervention. . . ." 



166 



CHAPTER XVI, 



BENEWED DISCORDS. 



(1873.) 

1^ 4TY brother's visit to Bayreuth was a disappointment 
I y I to himself as well as to Wagner. Before going he 
had written to Gersdorff , saying : "... I am taking 
a new manuscript with me to Bayreuth on the 'Greek Phil- 
osophy during the Tragic Age.' 

"It is far from being in shape for publication, however, as 
I grow more and more critical with myself, and shall allow 
much time to elapse before I venture on another presenta- 
tion of this material ( the fourth on the same theme) . More- 
over, I have been obliged to take up the most remarkable 
studies for this purpose, even mathematics had to be ap- 
proached, (which caused me no great apprehension) as well 
as mechanics, theory of molecules, etc. Again I have been 
splendidly convinced as to what the Greeks are and were. 
The way from Thales to Socrates is something simply tre- 
mendous. . . .'' , 

I cannot say whether any part of this manuscript was 
really read aloud or not, or whether Wagner manifested no 
desire to hear it upon learning of its character. At all 
events, this truly splendid treatise was the cause of another 
painful experience as Wagner showed his disappointment 

167 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

even more plainly than on previous occasions. He was evi- 
dently not prepared for so remote a subject as the " Phil- 
osophy of the Greeks," but on the contrary, confidently ex- 
pected something more directly connected with present prob- 
lems, with the friends and enemies of Wagner's art and 
the Bayreuth undertaking. At that time, Wagner's every 
thought and effort was concentrated upon the Bayreuth 
enterprise, as it was feared that the entire plan was about to 
suffer shipwreck. Barely 200 Patron's Certificates had been 
subscribed, whereas, a thousand certificates — at 300 thalers 
each — in fact thirteen hundred, were necessary to guaran- 
tee the complete success of the undertaking. This situation 
was viewed very seriously in House Wahnf ried. but this only 
served to display Wagner in the best possible light, as he 
never rose to greater heights than when confronted by the 
danger of seeing his life-work wrecked and obliged to fight 
for his ideals. 

As soon as my brother had fully grasped the gravity of 
the situation, he felt deeply mortified at the thought that he 
had been dwelling on the distant heights in the company of 
the Greek philosophers, far remote from the struggles and 
disappointments of the little Bayreuth following. And yet 
notwithstanding all this, he felt keenly disappointed at not 
finding in Bayreuth, as in the dear, old days in Tribschen, 
the same understanding for his own world of ideas. He was 
seized with a dread presentiment that in order to remain 
Wagner's friend he would be obliged to renounce his own 
path of future growth and development. It was this thought, 
which, despite the happy reunion with his beloved friend, 
caused him to look back upon his visit in Bayreuth with a 
heart full of melancholy misgivings. After taking leave of 

168 



Renewed Discords 

Rohde, he wrote: "... I spent Monday in Niirnberg, and 
felt myself as physically fit as I was depressed mentally. 
And this despite the fact that the good burghers of Niirn- 
berg were running around in the parks dressed in holiday 
attire, and that the sun was as mild as if it had been autumn. 
That night I steamed away towards Lindau and crossed 
Lake Constance at the hour when the night and morning 
constellations are struggling for supremacy. Arrived in 
Schaffhausen in time for dinner; fresh fit of despondency, 
then on home." 

Upon returning to Basle, he sadly laid aside his "Greek 
Philosophy during the Tragic Age," and resolved to fulfill 
Wagner's expectations by devoting himself more to present- 
day problems. But before doing this, he subjected himself 
to the closest self-examination in his effort to decide just 
how far his obligations to Wagner demanded such a sacri- 
fice. He was greatly concerned about the question as to why 
so great an idea as the one in preparation at Bayreuth, was 
not better comprehended by the Germans, and after much 
thought, he arrived at the conclusion that the German phil- 
istines of culture displayed a deplorable satisfaction with 
the narrow minds of their age, and by so doing had lost all 
perception for all that was truly great. His reason for 
choosing David Strauss* as a type of these philistines of cul- 
ture, lay in the fact that Strauss' new book called: "The Old 
Faith and the New" had been the subject of much discussion 
during his Easter visit to Bayreuth, Wagner, in particular, 
speaking of it with scorn and aversion. A few weeks earlier, 
Frau Wagner had written my brother: "Everywhere in the 

* First "Thoughts Out of Season: David Strauss, The Confessor and 
the Writer." 

169 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

German Empire, I met with the greatest enthusiasm for the 
new book by David Strauss, which on the strength of a quo- 
tation from Helmholtz proposes to deliver us from redemp- 
tion, prayer and Beethoven's music." Such isolated ob- 
servations led my brother to make a thorough-going examina- 
tion of the situation, and he began to realize that during 
the period immediately following the great victories (1870- 
71), the Germans had grown coarser and more superficial, 
and that even the academic world — next to our superb mili- 
tary organization, the outstanding element in German life — 
was resting upon its oars, so to speak, and leaning back 
with disquieting complacency upon its past achievements. 

This was particularly distressing to him in the case of so 
sharp-witted a scholar as David Strauss, for that reason, he 
chose him as a type, and began to write with astonishing 
rapidity, his first "Thoughts out of Season: David Strauss, 
the Confessor and the Writer." But that this was not ani- 
mated by any personal animosity against Strauss, but rather 
out of sheer anxiety for Bayreuth, is shown by the fol- 
lowing observations taken from his private notebooks. 
"... Great emotional strain during the genesis of the first 
^Thoughts out of Season.'' . . . Anxiety for the genius and 
his life-work, when compared to Strauss' smug complacency. 
. . . The most spurious of all intellectual food. . . . The 
weakening of all conviction ! Wavering morality in matters 
of right and wrong, and the uncontrolled predilection for the 
commonplace . . . ! A false kind of happiness ... !" 

It would be wrong to deduce from words of this kind that 
my brother did not cherish the deepest affection for his Ger- 
man fatherland. On the contrary, it is only the indignant 

170 



Renewed Discords 

wrath of the deeply loving son, that is voiced in these words : 
his passionate desire was to see the German Empire become 
truly great, permeated and transfigured by a true culture; 
in other words, he wished to evoke a genuine German culture. 
The German should not simulate, he should look the truth 
squarely in the face, recognize his own imperfections, and 
not avoid the struggle with his own weaknesses and the per- 
versities of his own nature. And he believed that the German 
was capable of doing this, for one of the oustanding quali- 
ties of the German is courage. In a letter written to Gers- 
dorff , at the time the latter returned home from the war, my 
brother gave expression to the joy he felt in thus placing his 
highest and supremest hopes in this development of the Ger- 
man national spirit : "New duties beckon us ; and if anything 
is to remain from this wild game of war now that peace is 
restored, may it be that spirit of sober-minded reflection, 
which to my great surprise, I found fresh and unimpaired in 
all its early Germanic vigor, within the ranks of our army. 
This was a beautiful and unexpected discovery for me; upon 
this we can build, and this justifies us in entertaining the hope 
that our German mission has not yet been fulfilled. I have 
never had greater courage than at this moment. . . ." 

No sooner was the work well under way, than my brother 
wrote to Wagner, and it is impossible to read this letter 
without being moved by the manner in which he endeavored 
to assume the responsibility for the mild discords which had 
threatened to overcloud their relations, and also by the 
modesty he displays in calling Wagner's attention to the fact 
that he has now written something more closely in conform- 
ity with his own ideas. 

171 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 
Friedrich Nietzsche to Richard Wagner. 

"Most revered master: 

"The days spent in Bayreuth live constantly in my mem- 
ory, and in retrospect, the newly acquired knowledge and ex- 
periences assume still greater dimensions. I can perfectly 
well understand your not having been satisfied with me while 
I was there, without being able to do anything to change this. 
My excuse must be that I learn and perceive very slowly, 
and every moment spent in your society I experience some- 
thing about which I have never thought before and am en- 
deavoring to impress this indelibly upon my mind. I 
realize clearly, dearest master, that such a visit can be no 
refreshment for you, in fact, that it must almost be unbear- 
able at times. I have often wished for the appearance (at 
least) of greater freedom and independence, but in vain. 
Enough ! I can only implore you to accept me as your pupil, 
if possible with pen in hand, and a copy-book spread open 
before me, and moreover as a pupil with a very slow and not 
at all versatile ingenium. It is true, that I grow more mel- 
ancholy each day in realizing how utterly incapable I am of 
contributing anything to your diversion and recreation, 
however gladly I would be of the slightest service to you. 

"Possibly, I may yet be able to do this when I have carried 
to completion the work I now have on hand, namely a polemic 
against the distinguished writer, David Strauss. I have 
just finished reading his 'The Old Faith and the New' and 
have been moved to wonderment both by the dulness and 
commonplaceness of the writer as well as the thinker. 

"During my absence, the work of my house-friend, Over- 
beck on the 'Christianity of Modern Theology' has made 

172 



Renewed Discords 

splendid progress. It will be of so offensive a character to 
all parties concerned, and on the other hand, is so irrefutable 
and sincere, that when it is published he will also be agitated 
against as one who has 'ruined his career' — to quote Prof. 
Brockhaus in my own case. In time, Basle will become most 
offensive. 

"I parted with friend Rohde in Lichtenfels, where we found 
a bust of you in the restaurant at the railroad station. On 
Easter Sunday we took a walk to Vierzehnheiligen, about an 
hour from Lichtenfels. Do you not think that I have splen- 
did friends? 

"Today I sent Renan's 'Paul' to your wife with my best 
greetings and will send the promised work of Paul de La- 
garde together with Overbeck's book when the latter is 
finished. 

"I was so sorry not to have seen the dean. Farewell! 
Farewell, dearest master, to you and your entire family. 
"Yours faithfully, 

"Basle, April 18, 1873. Friedrich Nietzsche." 

This touching letter was followed immediately by a 
second, in which my brother inquired of Wagner whether 
Fritzsch had confided to him the difficulty he was having 
in the publication of Overbeck's book : "On the Christianity 
of Modem Theology.'" 

Wagner answered both letters at once: 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"My dear, good friend: 

"Your first letter requires no answer. First of all, you 
must know yourself how touched I was by it, and therefore, 

173 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

nothing remains to be said except that you are not to allow 
yourself to be frightened by your own fancies, and that you 
are to proceed to make yourself 'burdensome* to me as 
often as you like and in the same way. 

"To tell the truth, Fritzsch was embarrassed at the 
thought of disporting himself as a publisher of theological 
works, but his hesitancy arose only out of consideration for 
the author himself, who he feared would not be brought to 
the attention of the proper public, by a publishing firm 
such as that of Fritzsch. Thereupon I let myself be heard 
from in my customary manner of getting at the root of the 
matter. I pointed out to him the singular destiny he was 
called upon to fulfill and he seemed to accept his fate in a 
not ungracious manner. My advice to him was to publish 
Overbeck's book. We were in Leipzig for a day and thus 
could discuss everything by word of mouth. 

"In regard to your Straussiana, my only feeling is one of 
impatience to see the work. Therefore, out with it ! 

"After ten days of turbulent travelling, we returned to the 
Dammallee yesterday, and hope not to be obliged to leave 
home again soon. Tomorrow — God and Strauss permitting 
— I mean to lay the corner-stone of the instrumentation of 
the 'Gotterdammerung.' 

"The latest story about Fidi is that when I was arranging 
my books the other day, he stood looking on attentively, and 
when I called to him : 'Fidi, hand me Creuzer's "Symbolism" ' 
— he handed me Creuzer's "Symbolism." ' 

"Every one sends greetings. This morning, Eva and Fidi 
played "Uncle Nietzsche and Rohde". Remember me to 
Rohde. "Yours as ever, 

"Bayreuth, April 30, 1873. Richard Wagner," 

174 



Renewed Discords 

Unluckily, work on the first "Thoughts out of Season" 
did not progress as rapidly as my brother had anticipated, 
the reason for this being that he was seized with violent pains 
in his eyes and his short-sightedness made unusual strides. 
Baron von Gersdorff hastened to his side, and in a letter 
dated May 24, 1873, described to Rohde the condition in 
which he had found my brother: 

". . . During the past semester, and even earlier than 
that, Nietzsche attempted such heavy work in connection 
with his studies for his pre-Platonic philosophy and later, 
for his Straussiana, all of which was done in his small 
cramped handwriting — that he finally reached the point 
where he could work no more than an hour and a half at a 
time before being forced to stop on account of the most 
violent pains in his eyes. On Wagner's birthday (May 22) 
I went with him to the oculist who diagnosed his case as weak- 
sightedness of the left eye thereby forced into inactivity, and 
in addition to that, acute shortsightedness of the right eye, 
upon which rested the entire burden of the work. 

"He ordered eye douches and a complete rest from reading 
and writing for a fortnight." Other oculists, who later 
made an examination of my brother's case, also established 
his trouble as being the result of over-taxing his eyes. How- 
ever, this strain did not begin to show any effect upon his 
general health until his naturally robust constitution, es- 
pecially his former excellent digestive organs, became im- 
paired as a result of the severe illness he went through with 
after the campaign of 1870-71. The optic nerves and those 
of the brain did not receive sufficient nourishment to support 
so great a degree of intellectual activity, and this re-acted 

175 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

upon his sight. On June 26, Gersdorff continued his sick 
bulletins : 

". . . When the fortnight's respite was over, Nietzsche 
endeavored to resume his work but all to no avail, as ex- 
cruciating pains forced him to hasten to the oculist, who then 
ordered a belladonna cure and a complete inactivity up to 
the summer vacation. Belladonna is a clear liquid derived 
from a plant ; it is dropped into the eye and soon spreads 
over the ball causing an extension of the pupil to twice its 
normal size and producing an almost alarming appearance. 

"This liquid could be recommended to vain persons as a 
means of enhancing their beauty. Scientifically, it has the 
effect of suspending the activity of the nerves of vision, thus 
giving them the necessary rest and recuperation. In order 
to protect the eye from the increased current of light now 
streaming in smoked glasses of the 'darkest sort,' as the 
people of Basle are wont to say, have to be worn. Despite all 
these precautions, Nietzsche suffers greatly from the notice- 
able intensity of the light here, which seems to me to be 
genuinely southern in its force. In the meantime, the vision 
has been somewhat improved by the belladonna cure and 
the enforced inactivity, so that he is now able to use glasses 
No. 3, whereas six weeks ago, No. 2 was barely sufficient. 
His sister is here to console him and we do everything in our 
power to alleviate his time of trial." 

As the result of our joint effort, the manuscript made good 
progress and was soon ready to be sent to the printer, 
leaving my brother free to go to Graubunden and continue 
his cure. 

When the first copy of this book was received on August 
8, we celebrated the event with modest festivities, concern- 

176 



Renewed Discords 

ing which, Gersdorff wrote to Rohde: ". . . The even- 
ing was heavenly clear and pure, a never-to-be-forgotten 
day. And thus we celebrated the antirstrwthiade.* And 
now let the adversaries come! To the devil with all of 
them . . .!" 

Baron von Gersdorff had been good enough to attend to 
the correspondence with Bayreuth and was therefore, the 
first to receive the thanks and expressions of delight from 
the Wagners in regard to the book. Finally my brother 
felt himself equal to the task of attempting a long letter, and 
it goes without saying, that the first of these was addressed 
to Richard Wagner, (this letter is also missing in Wahn- 
f ried) which Wagner answered immediately : 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"Dear friend: 

"It was a delightful surprise to see your handwriting after 
so long a time. And yet, my first feeling was one of concern, 
in fact, you cause me more anxiety than pleasure at present 
and this is saying a great deal, as I know of no one in whom 
I take greater delight than I do in you. And so the first and 
most important thing I have to say to you today, is to 
acquaint you with my solicitude, and it is best that I begin 
at once to relieve my mind on this subject: 

"Did your physician really give you permission to write 
such a long and closely written letter? As for me, I shall 
take great pains to write as far apart as possible, contrary 
to my customary manner, and in this way, to justify myself 

* This is GersdorfFs way of making a pun on the name of (David) 
Strauss, the real meaning of which is "ostrich." Greek word: "ay£ovd6s.'' 

177 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

for writing at all. If I have refrained from doing this for a 
long time it has been with a mournful determination, as de- 
spite Gersdorff's willing intervention — I was vain enough to 
believe that you would wish to read my letter yourself, and 
feared that this would prove injurious to you. 

"And yet I am doing this very thing notwithstanding the 
fact that I have very little faith in the concessions made by 
your physician, as I know from my own experience just how 
much confidence is to be placed in these gentlemen. My 
doctor has assured me, again and again, that I am an 
indestructibly sound person despite the wretched complaints 
by which I am plagued day and night. All of these he 
laughingly dismisses as being the quite customary 'maladies 
of genius.' 

"Now God grant, that your medicm is of a somewhat less 
optimistic temperament and that he may be in the right. 

"But one thing was left out of this diagnosis of the 'mal- 
adies of genius* and this is the thing, above all others, 
which causes me the most acute distress. Namely: an in- 
corrigible aversion to expressing myself, particularly in 
writing (on the other hand, this could be of great advan- 
tage to your poor eyes). Since the third of May I have 
again been hard at work on the instrumentation of my 'Got- 
terdammerung,'' and how far do you think that I have pro- 
gressed? That day in which I finish one page of the score 
deserves to be written down in red ink in the calendar of my 
life. Scarcely have I seated myself at my work when 'letters' 
arrive or other delightful news necessitating renewed in- 
genuity on my part for my intercourse with the world, and 
then my poor 'genial' fantasy takes flight. And now you 
come with your 'Strauss' and worse than that, Overbeck 



Renewed Discords 

with his ' 'Christianity' to be imprinted upon 'Theology. 1 

"This is enough to set a man crazy ; in fact I am reminded 
of the Icelandic skal, Eigil, of whom I once told you, if I 
am not mistaken. Upon returning home from a very fatigu- 
ing journey, he found that one of his friends had left a mag- 
nificent shield in his house. Enraged at the discovery, he 
cried: 'He has just hung this here in order to force me to 
write a poem upon it. Has he been gone very long? I will 
hasten after him and strike him dead. 5. But he was unable 
to overtake him, so greatly vexed, he turned back to his own 
house, took another good look at the shield and — wrote a 
poem upon it ! 

"The moral is that Herr Overbeck must come himself if he 
wishes to have his poem. As far as you are concerned, I 
repeat the conceit which I recently expressed to my family, 
namely, that I foresee the time when I shall be obliged to 
defend your book against you, yourself. I have been reading 
it again and I swear to you, by God, that I consider you the 
only person who knows what I am driving at. 

"All the rest belongs in the chapter of 'style' about which, 
as you know, I am incompetent of judging, as I bristle up 
every time the word 'style* is mentioned, to your great vexa- 
tion. 

"Joyful Wiedersehen on October 31 (Feast of the Refor- 
mation) and all other good wishes. 

"A thousand heartfelt greetings, 

"Yours, 

"Bayreuth, Sept. 21, 1873. Richard Wagner." 



179 



CHAPTER XVII. 

nietzsche's appeal to the German nation. 
(1873) 

NOTHING occurred during the summer of 1873 to 
diminish the anxiety felt in Wahnfried concerning 
the erection of the Festival Theatre and the success 
of the entire Bayreuth undertaking. In fact, a complete 
fiasco was regarded as inevitable, in many quarters. This 
belief was strengthened by a remarkable incident which had a 
painful effect upon my brother's impressionable mind, but 
unnecessarily so, as it later developed. 

While I was visiting my brother in Basle during the 
summer of 1873, I met a strange-looking, elderly woman on 
the stairs one day who had evidently called upon him. In 
reply to my question as to whom this remarkable person 
might be, he answered in his humorous way: "Lisbeth, that 
is a ghost who makes me periodic visitations and is in the 
habit of talking to me in a mysterious manner as spirits are 
wont to do." I found out that this woman, by the name 
of Rosalie Nielsen had made two previous calls and had 
succeeded in greatly disquieting my brother by intimating 
that the firm of E. W. Fritzsch, his publishers, were really 
bankrupt and only being kept above water by the support 
of a few friends. She also made mysterious intimations in 

180 



Nietzsche's Appeal to the German Nation 

regard to an international company which had under con- 
sideration the purchase of the Fritz&ch firm, and in this event, 
ould attach particular value to retaining 1 possession of my 
brother's works. Owing to the fact that the "Christianity 
of Modern Theology" was also to be published by Fritzsch, 
Overbeck was vitally interested in the representations of the 
mysterious stranger, and it was agreed that the next time 
she called, the interview should take place in his room. Dur- 
ing this conversation, it came out that the international 
company mentioned as contemplating taking over the 
Fritzsch business, was really doing so in order to get a hold 
upon Richard Wagner whose prose writings were published 
by this firm. Wagner, so ran her story, was in the direst 
financial straits, the funds subscribed for the erection of the 
theatre had been diverted to the building of his own residence, 
and that it was the intention of the aforesaid international 
company to ruin Wagner's entire enterprise. At this point 
in her recital, my brother's customary amiability and 
courtesy forsook him; his indignation was so great that he 
was unable to speak a word, but he took a chair, opened the 
door and gave the visitor to understand that the chair was 
at her disposal — on the other side. But he was unable to 
shake off the impression created by the mysterious woman, 
as he was already much disquieted by the condition of 
Wagner's affairs. Therefore he wrote a letter to Rohde, in 
which he gave him a half-serious, half -humorous account 
of this mysterious story of intrigue : 

". . . In the meantime, there is another matter which has 
assumed gigantic proportions and threatens to grow beyond 
our control. I can only give you an inkling of it here as it 

181 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

is not a matter to be discussed openly in a letter. Both 
Overbeck and I are firmly convinced that disquieting 
machinations are on foot by which the International hopes 

to get hold of the Leipzig firm of . The plans we have 

made to frustrate this scheme would be rendered futile the 
moment a syllable of this becomes known. I really wanted 
to make a hurried trip to Leipzig that I might have a per- 
sonal interview. I am sorry not to be able to place the 
entire apparatus criticus at the disposal of the astute critic 
E. R. (I mean the letters and written testimony of the 
female spook, R. N.) but from everything that is known it 
has been possible for less well-trained minds to arrive at 
appallingly definite conclusions." He closes his letter with 
the humorous words ". . . Is your strong manly heart 
knocking against your ribs? I do not dare sign my name to 
this letter so filled with fearsome things. 

"We are living in one of Samarow's novels, think only in 
terms of mines and counter-mines, employ pseudonyms and 
wear false beards. Hui ! Hui ! How the wind howls ! In 
the name of the conspirators, Hugo with the spectral 
voice . . ." 

Rohde was right when he insisted that all these uncanny 
-stories originated in the brain of the mysterious caller, and 
was soon able to inform his two friends that the publisher 
E. W. Fritzsch had "also thrown out the spook." 

In an effort to make an end of the precarious conditions 
in regard to the Bayreuth undertaking, the executive com- 
mittee called a meeting of delegates from the Wagner So- 
cieties to take place in Bayreuth during August. This meet- 
ing was finally postponed until October, and in the mean- 

182 



Nietzsche's Appeal to the German Nation 

time, Wagner commissioned Emil Heckel of Mannheim to 
approach Nietzsche with the request that he work out an 
appeal to the German nation to be laid before the delegates 
assembled in Bayreuth. 

Heckel did as Wagner requested, and my brother at once 
turned to Rohde for co-operation in drafting this document : 

". . . The latest thing is an invitation I received today 
to write an appeal to the German nation (a modest under- 
taking!) in the interest of the Bayreuth work. This request 
comes from the Committee of Patrons. The very thought 
of such a thing terrifies me, as at one time, I attempted to 
write such an appeal on my own initiative and made a most 
miserable job of it. Therefore, I now turn to you, dear 
friend, with an urgent plea for assistance; perhaps the two 
of us working in co-operation, will be able to get the mon- 
ster under control. The general sense of the proclamation, 
is to implore young and old, as far as the German language 
is spoken, to hasten to the nearest music-dealer's and there 
deposit a sum of money. According to instructions given by 
Wagner to Heckel (so it seems to me) the German public 
is to be stimulated to this line of conduct by being enlightened 
on the following points : 1. Significance of the undertaking; 
significance of the promoter of the undertaking. 2. Dis- 
grace for the nation, that despite the disinterested and per- 
sonal sacrifice made by every one connected with this under- 
taking, it should nevertheless be made to appear as if it were 
the enterprise of a charlatan. 3. Comparison with other 
nations : If a man in England, France or Italy who, in the 
face of all the obstacles placed in his way by the general 
public, had enriched the national stage by five master works, 

183 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

produced throughout the land and everywhere acclaimed 
with enthusiasm, should cry out : 'The theatre as it exists 
today does not represent the spirit of the nation, it is an 
open disgrace to art ; help me to establish a home expressive 
of the national spirit !' 4. Would such an appeal not meet 
with an immediate response, even tho' it arose from nothing 
but a feeling of national pride? etc. etc. 

"At the close, it must be stated that all desired informa- 
tion may be obtained at every German book-shop, art and 
music dealer's (3946 by the count) where subscription lists 
will also be found. Don't be vexed about this, dearest friend, 
but go to work on it at once . . ." 

Rohde, however, felt himself unequal to this task, as may 
be seen by the following letter: ". . . Ah, dearest friend, 
gladly as I would come to your assistance in regard to the 
appeal, I am not able to do what you wish. What I have 
in mind seems to give but little promise of success when I 
think of the multitude to be addressed upon the significance 
of a man and of a work, of which no one has the faintest 
idea and which has, therefore, to be presented in a dis- 
gustingly popular and superficial manner. 

"Just now, when all my time and thoughts are occupied 
with preparation for my university lectures — too long post- 
poned — all the streams of vigorous popular language seem 
to have dried up in me. In the meantime, should the spirit 
move me I shall make another attempt ; only under such con- 
ditions could the work be successful as nothing is ever gained 
by painstaking reflection. It is a terrifically difficult mat- 
ter, because one realizes, beforehand, that the whole thing is 
doomed to failure. In consequence of this the necessary en- 

184 



Nietzsche's Appeal to the German Nation 

thusiasm is lacking, and the only thing that could impel one 
to attempt it would be a sense of solemn obligation." 

Without waiting to hear from Rohde, my brother set to 
work on the appeal and sent the rough draft for Rohde's 
approval. He was not kept waiting long for his friend's 
verdict, who wrote : "Only a few words today, dearest friend, 
in great haste as I am overwhelmed with official duties. My 
honest opinion of your 'Proclamation' is that it will make a 
strong appeal to the friends of the cause, who will find an 
echo of your sentiments in their own hearts and regard the 
appeal as expressive of their own vigorous and wrathful 
feelings. But when it comes to the lukewarm brethren, to say 
nothing of the enemies of the cause, for whose conversion 
we are striving — it will scarcely have the desired effect as it 
now stands, and this is most assuredly true of the tone of 
the introduction. I do not mean to say that I regard this 
as a mistake on your part, but only that when the entire 
thing is subjected to close scrutiny, it becomes evident that 
it is an impossibility, far exceeding human strength. How is 
one to go to work so to draft a last and final appeal to the 
lukewarm and disaffected Germans who have been brought 
to the point of contempt and active antagonism by long 
years of hostile criticism, without giving vent to one's own 
extreme indignation? But, in reality, what is needed is a 
conciliatory tone such as would be instrumental in converting 
hesitating souls from the errors of their ways. 

"The avowed purpose of this appeal, however, is to con- 
vert the sceptics, and having failed to achieve this result, the 
entire undertaking would be futile — in fact, it would only 
make matters worse. When it has been proven that the 

185 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

Bayreuth undertaking 1 — quod di avertant — has not a ghost 
of a chance for success, a suitable moment will always be 
found for roundly chiding the contemptuous and unwilling 
souls. 

"It seems to me that you have lost sight of the chief diffi- 
culty of this sheer impossible task, namely, that of stirring 
the canaille to activity without tickling their vanity. I know 
you will understand my misgivings on this subject, my dear 
friend. I regard the entire appeal more in the light of a 
thousand-fold well-deserved kick for the xaxoi than as an 
enticement for the cur slinking behind the stove, whom the 
appeal, in the last analysis, is designed to reach." 

Rohde was right in his pessimistic estimate of the effect 
of such an appeal, and later my brother wrote him : 

"You were quite right, my dear friend ; the appeal has been 
rejected. Accept my best thanks for the sympathetic words 
received in Bayreuth. The atmosphere there was warm and 
cordial and very invigorating, the appeal drafted by Prof. 
Stern is now appearing in all the papers, and my one wish, by 
day and night, is that the collection boxes at the German 
book-dealers, may become veritable depositories of wealth. 

"To tell you the truth, Wagner, Frau Wagner and I are 
convinced of the greater persuasiveness of my appeal, and it 
seems to us to be only a matter of time until something of 
this kind will be absolutely necessary." 

My brother gave a far more detailed and cheerful ac- 
count of the meeting of the delegates to Baron von Gersdorff, 
who had been prevented from coming to Bayreuth; "Well, 

186 



Nietzsche's Appeal to the German Nation 

I was enroute from Wednesday evening until Monday 
morning, making the trip to Bayreuth alone and having 
Herr Heckel's company as far as Mannheim on the way 
back. About a dozen persons all told, were in attendance, 
all of them delegates from the Wagner Societies and I the 
only 'Patron.* 

"On the real festival day, we were vouchsafed the same 
nasty weather made memorable by the Dedication Fes- 
tival^ and the result was that each one of the gentlemen was 
again called upon to sacrifice a new hat. But mark you 
well ! On the day preceding and following the weather was 
beautifully bright and clear! 

"After making our tour of inspection in mud, fog and 
darkness, we repaired to the City Hall for an executive ses- 
sion, and it was here that my appeal was politely by firmly 
rejected by the delegates. I, myself, protested against any 
attempt to re-write it and recommended Prof. Stern for the 
manufacture of a new article. On the other hand, Heckel's 
excellent suggestion that all the book-stores throughout the 
empire be utilized as collecting places, was unanimously ap- 
proved. The entire session was a remarkable procedure; 
half-inspiring, half-realistic and yet creating so strong an 
impression on the whole, as most effectually to silence all the 
lottery projects and schemes of that kind which were being 
held in reserve by some of the delegates. 

"A very successful, informal and h&rrpiul banquet at the 
'Sonne' closed the day with Frau Wagner and Fraulein 
von Meysenburg as the only two women present. I was 
given the place of honor between them and by reason of this, 
was christened 'Sargino, the Protege of Love' from an early 
Italian opera. Batz proposed a toast to Fray Wagner and 

18*7 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

for some incomprehensible reason united his praise of her with 
some ideas about snuff-boxes and self-expression. A closing 
session was held on Saturday morning in Feustel's office, 
during which Stern's appeal was accepted. You will soon 
have an opportunity of reading this, as it is to be given the 
widest publicity. My document, considered by the Wagners 
to be very good, was signed by important names and may 
some time be of value in case the present optimistic appeal of 
Stern's fails to achieve the desired results. 

"In the afternoon, we again inspected the theatre, this time 
under the light of the late afternoon sun. The children were 
also there ; I climbed up to the center of the royal box. 
The structure looks much more beautiful and better propor- 
tioned than we imagined after seeing the plans. It is im- 
possible to view it under a clear autumn sky without being 
deeply moved. We have a building and this is now our 
symbol." 

From other persons present on this occasion, I learned 
that Wagner was beside himself that my brother's document 
was considered too serious and too pessimistic by the dele- 
gates ; he flew into a terrible rage and fairly stamped his 
feet. It was my brother who persuaded him that an appeal 
from Prof. Stern would undoubtedly meet with greater suc- 
cess and that his own could always be brought forward in 
case the necessity arose. It was only in this way that he suc- 
ceeded in pacifying Wagner, who in order to show his 
sympathy and affection for my brother, presented him with 
nine beautifully bound volumes of his prose writings accom- 
panied by the following dedication: 

188 



Nietzsche's Appeal to the German Nation 

"Was ich mit Not gesammelt, 
neun Banden eingerammelt, 
was darin spricht und stammelt, 
was geht, steht oder bammelt, — 
Schwert, Stock und Pritzsche, 
kurz, was im Verlg von Fritzsche 
schrei, larm oder quietzsche, 
das schenk' ich meinem Nietzsche, — 
war's ihm zu was niitze. 

"Richard Wagnee. 
"Bayreuth, All-Souls Day, 1873." 

APPEAL TO THE GERMAN NATION. 

We insist upon being heard, for we speak as an ad- 
monisher and the voice of warning has always the right to 
be heard, whoever may be the speaker and wherever his voice 
may be raised. On the other hand, you to whom this appeal 
is addressed, have the equal right of deciding for yourselves 
whether or not your admonishers are honest and upright men, 
who speak only because they realize your danger and are 
frightened at finding you so passive, indifferent and un- 
initiated. This we can affirm of ourselves, for we speak to 
you from a pure heart and in so doing, have consulted our 
own interests only in so far as they coincide with yours — 
namely, the wellbeing and the honor of the German spirit 
and the German name. 

You have been informed of the festival that was celebrated 
in Bayreuth during May of the past year. The purpose of 
this festival was the laying of a powerful corner-stone, be- 
neath which were buried forever many fears and misgivings. 

189 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

At the time, we believed that this stone placed the seal upon 
our dearest hopes, but today we say that we deluded our- 
selves into believing this. For alas, there was a great deal 
of delusion about the matter. These misgivings are still 
alive, and altho' we have not entirely forgotten how to hope, 
you will, nevertheless, see from this appeal that our hopes 
are still exceeded by our fears. 

It is you who have given rise to these fears ; you do not 
wish to know what is going on, and out of sheer ignorance are 
about to prevent a great deed from being accomplished. 
Such ignorance is no longer justifiable; in fact, it seems in- 
conceivable that any one could still be found who knows 
nothing of the splendid, courageous and indomitable struggle 
in which Richard Wagner has been engaged for decades — a 
struggle which has attracted the attention of practically 
every nation to an idea which in its highest form and truly 
triumphant perfection, is embodied in the Bayreuth art- 
work. 

If you are now minded to place an obstacle in the way of 
his unearthing this treasure he intends presenting to you, 
what would you gain thereby? 

This is just the point that needs to be brought to your 
attention publicly and urgently, in order that you may be 
informed in due season and that you may no longer take 
refuge in playing the role of uninitiated. From this time 
forth, foreign countries will be the judges and witnesses in 
this drama you are enacting ; a mirror will be held up to you 
in which you will see the reflection of your own picture as it 
will some day be painted by a just posterity. 

Let us assume that through ignorance, distrust, ridicule 
or calumny you succeed in reducing to a purposeless ruin the 

190 



Nietzsche's Appeal to the German Nation 

building now being erected on the hill outside Bayreuth. Let 
us further assume, that prompted by uncontrolled antag- 
onism, you do not permit this work to go into fulfillment, to 
achieve its due effect and bear witness to its own greatness. 
The result will be that you will not only be obliged to face 
the verdict of posterity but will also be put to shame before 
the eyes of the non-German contemporary world. Let us 
suppose that a man in England, France or Italy had en- 
riched the stage by five works of extraordinary great and 
unique style, works which had been acclaimed from north to 
south, and had then called out to his countrymen : "The stage 
as it exists today is not representative of the spirit of the 
nation, it is nothing short of a disgrace to the art it purposes 
to present. Help me to establish a fitting temple for the 
national spirit!" 

Would not every one hasten to his support, even though 
this be solely from a feeling of national pride and honor? 
But what is needed here, is not merely a sense of national 
honor, nor the blind fear of the disparaging verdict of a 
critical posterity; you should be willing to become co- 
workers, co-sympathizers, co-learners, and simply by re- 
solving to help in this great work, learn to rejoice with us 
from the bottom of your hearts. You have generously 
equipped all your sciences with costly laboratories, and yet 
when an attempt is made to build such a laboratory for the 
groping and courageous spirit of German art, you hold 
yourselves aloof, and will have nothing to do with such a 
project. 

Can you point to a more momentous period in the history 
of German art, or one demanding the solution of more im- 
portant problems, such as necessitate greater opportunities 

191 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

for fruitful experimentation, if the idea characterized by 
Richard Wagner as the "Art-work of the Future" is to be- 
come a concrete and ocular reality? 

Which one of us is sufficiently daring even to attempt to 
picture to himself the extent of this movement of thoughts, 
deeds, hopes and endowments to be ushered in when the gigan- 
tic Nibelung structure with its four mighty towers, rears 
itself from the earth to the rhythms imparted to it by its 
creator before the eyes of the conscious representatives of 
the German people? Can we foresee the movement that 
will thus be inaugurated, the promise of which stretches out 
into the most distant, the most fruitful and the most hope- 
inspiring future? 

At all events, no blame will attach itself to the originators 
of this movement should the wave soon begin to ebb and the 
surface again to resume its normal aspect as if nothing at 
all had taken place. For altho' the completion of the work 
must be our first and immediate care, we are no less op- 
pressed by the misgiving that we may not be found suffi- 
ciently ripe, prepared and receptive to guide the unquestion- 
able immediate effects, on into deeper and wider channels of 
development. 

Wherever it has been, and still is, the custom to take 
offense at Richard Wagner, we have noticed that there lies 
concealed a big and pregnant problem of our national cul- 
ture. But, when this antagonism results only in the most 
mysterious ridicule and criticism, and only in rare instances 
is productive of serious thought,— then we must be pardoned 
for entertaining the humiliating suspicion that possibly this 
celebrated "Nation of Thinkers" has already thought itself 

192 



Nietzsche's Appeal to the German Nation 

out, and that obtuseness of thought has replaced genuine 
thinking. 

By what a distracting task did we find ourselves confronted 
when we attempted to prevent the Bayreuth event of 1872 
from being confused with the founding of a new theatre, and 
at the same time to explain why the significance of this under- 
taking was not to be compared to that of any existing 
theatre? What a tremendous effort was necessary in order 
to open the eyes of the consciously or unconsciously blind to 
the fact that the expression 'Bayreuth' did not signify alone 
a certain number of persons, a group with specific musical 
tastes, but that it comprised the entire nation; that, in 
fact, it extended far beyond the borders of Germany and 
appealed to all persons, wherever found, who were ready for 
serious-minded and active participation, who had at heart 
the ennoblement and purification of dramatic art, and had 
grasped the true meaning of Schiller's wonderful prescience 
as to the future when tragedy in a nobler form would grow 
out of the opera. 

Surely, everyone who has not forgotten the art of think- 
ing, (be this only from a sense of honor!) must regard as 
a remarkable phenomenon, morally speaking, an artistic 
undertaking that is to be advanced and promoted by the 
sacrificial spirit and disinterestedness of all the participants ; 
which is to be consecrated by the solemn convictions of all 
those who think deeply and seriously of art, and arouses 
hopes for the most significant development of our national 
life, when German music and its transfiguring influence upon 
the popular drama, has stamped it with genuine German 
characteristics. 

We believe in something still higher and more universal: 

193 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

namely, that the Germans will only appear worthy of re- 
spect and be able to exercise a salutary influence upon other 
nations, when they have shown how formidable they can be, 
and yet will succeed in making the world forget how for- 
midable they have been by the intensive manifestation of the 
highest and noblest artistic and cultural forces. 

We regard it as our solemn duty to remind you of our 
duty as Germans at a time when we are called upon to rally 
to the support of the great art-work of a German genius. 
We may expect a quick and sympathetic response from 
those persons, or groups of persons, who have been able to 
preserve their serious turn of mind during the agitated period 
of our national history ; the German universities, academies, 
and art schools, in particular, will not be appealed to in vain 
to support the projected undertaking, each according to 
the measure of its ability, just as the political representa- 
tives of German prosperity in the Reichstag (Imperial Par- 
liament) will have serious cause to reflect upon the thought 
that, more than ever before, the nation is in need of the puri- 
fication and re-consecration to be brought about by the en- 
nobling magic and majesty of German art. In fact, they 
will be compelled to do this, if the powerfully awakened im- 
pulses of our political and national passions and the new 
traits stamped upon the physiognomy of our national life, 
are not to wring from posterity the humiliating confession 
that in the chase after fortune and pleasure, we Germans 
lost ourselves, just as we had, finally, found ourselves again. 



I must here add a few words in regard to this appeal of 
my brother. As already stated, it was rejected and never 

194 



Nietzsche' s Appeal to the German Nation 

again mentioned, but neither could any great measure of suc- 
cess be claimed for Prof. Stern's appeal, as may be judged 
from the following passage taken from Chamberlain's 
Wagner biography: "... I will here give a little fact in 
illustration of the intense neglect with which Wagner's great 
work — now redounding to the everlasting glory of the Ger- 
man spirit — met with throughout the German empire. Dr. 
Stern's 'Report and Appeal,' written at the request of the 
Wagner Societies, was sent to four thousand book and 
music dealers toward the close of 1873. Not a solitary one 
of these four thousand took the slightest notice of the mat- 
ter, and only a few thalers were subscribed by some students 
in Giessen." 



195 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



CRITICAL PERIOD. 



(1874) 

WHILE my brother was occupied with his second 
"Thoughts Out of Season" at the close of the year 
1873, the family at Wahnfried was oppressed with 
increased anxiety in regard to the success of the Bayreuth 
undertaking. The appeal had met with no success, and 
Wagner's efforts to secure the necessary funds from King 
Ludwig II seemed also doomed to failure. At first everyone 
was at a loss to find an explanation for this : it was a bitter 
disappointment to Wagner and he seriously considered writ- 
ing a circular letter disclosing to all those interested in the 
enterprise, the shipwreck of his plans. He was prevented 
from doing this, however, by Emil Heckel of Mannheim, 
whose faith in the ultimate realization of the Bayreuth idea 
never faltered. He hurried to Bayreuth and met all of 
Wagner's complaints and resolves with the one word : "That 
must not be!" It seems that this splendidly energetic man 
first made an appeal to the Grand-Duke of Baden, requesting 
him to undertake the office of mediator at Berlin, with the 
view of inducing the government to appropriate a part of 
the required sum in return for which, the performance of the 
Nibelung drama in Bayreuth would be given in commemora- 

196 



Critical Period 

tion of the fifth Peace Aimiversary in 1876. After a tre- 
mendous effort 100,000 thalers were finally collected by 
private subscription, and this sum, up to the very last 
penny, was expended in paying the debts already accumu- 
lated. But a further 100,000 thalers were necessary if there 
was to be no suspension of the preliminary preparations, of 
the building activity and the artistic plans. The Grand- 
Duke refused to act as mediator, knowing full well that 
Wagner's wishes and plans would meet with absolutely no 
response in Berlin. After a period of great suspense and 
anxiety, it was again the King of Bavaria who came to the 
rescue of his artist friend, whereupon it came to light that 
the king's unwillingness arose from the following cause: 

Felix Dahn had written an ode to King Ludwig, and the 
latter instructed that this be sent to Wagner with the re- 
quest that he set it to music. Not aware of the fact that 
this request came from the king, Wagner refused to comply, 
thereby incurring the displeasure of his royal patron. One 
of the gentlemen-in-waiting who was on friendly terms with 
Wagner, explained the matter to the king, who then de- 
clared himself ready to come to Wagner's assistance in his 
usual munificent manner. However, the 100,000 thalers 
from the king's treasury were only in the nature of an ad- 
vance, which caused my brother to shake his head and say 
be could not comprehend where Wagner ever expected to 
get hold of the money to pay back these loans. 

Upon my brother's return to Basle, at the beginning of 
the year 1874, he was met by the disturbing news that the 
Bayreuth undertaking was on the point of failure. The 
news came from Gersdorff who was most unhappy and pessi- 
mistic about the whole affair. How my brother passed this 

197 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

miserable period of suspense, we learn from a letter written 
much later to his friend Rohde: 



"... I have been in a desperate frame of mind since the 
beginning of the new year from which I was finally able to 
rescue myself in a truly remarkable manner. I set to work 
to investigate the reasons for the failure of the undertaking; 
this I did in the most cold-blooded manner, and in so doing, 
learned a great deal and arrived at a far better understand- 
ing of Wagner than I ever had before." I must confess that 
I was frightened when I read this statement and said to my 
brother: "Were you really able to regard the matter so 
coolly at that time?" — "Not always", was his reply, "it was 
only now and then that I forced myself to look the truth 
squarely in the face." 

In his note-book of this period, appears the sentence: "In 
my student days I said, Wagner is a romanticist, not of the 
art in its zenith, but in its last quarter: soon it will be night! 
Despite this insight I was a Wagnerite; I knew better, but 
I could not do otherwise." 

There was nothing my brother desired more passionately 
than to find some being whom he could revere, and he, there- 
fore, allowed himself to be carried away by Wagner's splen- 
did energy and superb work ("Meistersinger" and "Tristan 
and Isolde") to a point where he was willing to ignore every- 
thing in Wagner's art of which he did not approve. But al- 
though my brother invariably treated Wagner with the ut- 
most courtesy and respect, there must have been times when 
he unconsciously betrayed his inner doubts and antagonism, 
and on such occasions, Wagner was given to making sus- 

198 



Critical Period 

picious remarks which had the effect of increasing my 
brother's inner scruples. He confided to no one this con- 
tinual conflict with himself, and it was not until the year 
1874 that he seemed to have fully sensed this lack of 
harmony between them and to have formulated the reasons 
for this. It is quite characteristic of my brother that al- 
though he suffered inexpressibly by the threatened failure 
of Wagner's plans, he did not give way to endless lamenta- 
tions and reproaches, but went courageously to work to 
investigate the reasons for this lack of success. He forced 
himself to make a cool and sober examination of the facts, 
and thereby endeavor to find a solution for the failure of 
the undertaking in the very things he himself had felt and 
thought, but had hitherto loyally suppressed out of love 
and admiration for Wagner. No stronger proof has ever 
been given of my brother's sincerity and uncompromising love 
of the truth than in thus accepting the challenge of his con- 
science, altho' this meant the shattering of one of his most 
beautiful illusions. 

The notes he made at this time seem to have been intended 
for publication, as the headings of chapters and the large 
number of aphorisms bearing on this subject, would seem to 
indicate that he had in mind a book, which strangely enough, 
was to bear the title of the fourth "Thoughts Out of Season; 
Richard Wagner m Bayreuth." But I can not think that he 
seriously entertained this idea and at all events the fol- 
lowing notes were not incorporated into the work eventually 
bearing that title. 

(The material here alluded to, ten heads of chapters and 
numerous aphorisms, was eventually published in Volume X 
of the Complete Edition of Nietzsche's Works, or Volume II 

199 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

of the Posthumous Works. Isolated aphorisms appear in the 
English edition of Nietzsche but not all have been previously 
translated. Translator's note.) 

I. Reasons for the failure. Above all, the antagonistic 
element. Lack of sympathy for Wagner. Difficult. 
Complicated. 
II. Wagner's Dual Nature. 
III. Passion. Ecstasy. Dangerous. 
IV. Music and Drama. Parallelism. 
V. Arrogance. 

VI. Late Manhood. Late Development. 
VII. Wagner as Author. 
VIII. Friends. {Arouse fresh suspicions.) 
IX. Enemies. (Awaken no respect.) No interest m their 

contentions. 
X. Antagonistic Element explained. Perhaps eliminated. 

"Wagner endeavors to achieve the renaissance of art by 
proceeding from the only existing basis, namely, the theatre. 
Here the masses are genuinely moved and are not obliged to 
resort to pretense as in museums and concert halls. To be 
sure, this is a very crude mass, and as yet, it has been dem- 
onstrated to be an impossibility to weaken the domination of 
the theatre. Problem : Shall all art continue to live isolated 
and segregated? Is it not possible to achieve sovereignty for 
art? Herein lies Wagner's significance. He endeavors to 
tyrannize by the aid of the theatre-going masses. There is 
not a shadow of doubt in my mind but that Wagner would 
have succeeded had he been an Italian. The German has not 
the faintest conception of opera, and has always regarded 

200 



Critical Period 

it as something imported and un-German. In fact, the entire 
stage is not taken seriously by the Germans." 

"There is something comical about the whole situation. 
Wagner cannot persuade the Germans to take the theatre 
seriously. They remain cold and unresponsive — he be- 
comes impassioned as if the whole salvation of Germany de- 
pended upon this one thing. Now all at once, when the Ger- 
mans believe that they are occupied with graver matters, 
they regard anyone who devotes himself so seriously to art 
as a cheerful fanatic.'* 

"Wagner is not a reformer, for so far, everything remains 
as it always was. In Germany each one is inclined to take 
his own cause seriously, and therefore laughs at any one who 
claims a monopoly of seriousness." 

"Influence of the money crisis." 

"General uncertainty of the political situation." 

"Doubts as to the wise leadership of Germany at present." 

"Period of art agitation (Liszt etc.) now over." 

"A serious nation will not permit all levity to languish, 
hence the attitude of the Germans towards the theatrical 
arts." 

"Chief thing: the significance of an art such as Wagner 
represents does not fit into our present social and economic 
conditions. Hence the instinctive aversion to an under- 
taking that is considered untimely." 

"Wagner's chief problem: Why am I not able to make 
others feel what I feel myself? This leads to a criticism of 
the audience, the state and society at large. He places the 
artists and the audience in the relation of subject and object 
— this is most naive." 

"One of Wagner's chief characteristics : lack of dis- 

201 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

cipline and moderation. Carries everything to the extreme 
limit of his strength and feelings." 

"The other outstanding characteristic is a born talent for 
the stage, which has been diverted from its logical course 
and turned into the next most available channel; voice and 
figure are both lacking and he does not possess the requisite 
modesty." 

"Wagner is a born actor, but like Goethe, a painter 
without hands. His gifts seek and find other mediums of 
expression." 

"Now let us imagine all these denied impulses working in 
harmony." 

"Wagner brings together all possible effective elements 
at a time when popular taste is dulled and demands ex- 
tremely crass and vigorous methods. Everything is em- 
ploye^ — the magnificent, the intoxicating, the bewildering, 
the grandiose, the frightful, the clamorous, the ecstatic, the 
neurotic. Prodigious dimensions, prodigious resources." 

"The unexpected, the extravagant splendour creates the 
impression of opulence and exuberance. He knows what our 
age likes ; moreover he still idealizes our age, and thinks much 
too highly of it." 

"Himself possessing the instincts of an actor, he wishes 
to imitate mankind only in the most effective and realistic 
manner. His extreme nature sees only weakness and insin- 
cerity in any other methods. Painting for effect is an ex- 
tremely dangerous thing for artists. The intoxicating, the 
sensual, the unexpected, the ecstatic, the being-mo ved-at- 
any-price. Alarming tendencies." 

"Wagner unites everything that still has charm for us 
modern Germans. Character, knowledge, all go together. 

202 



Critical Period 

He makes a determined effort to assert himself, and to domi- 
nate in an age antagonistic to all art. Poison is an anti- 
dote to poison. Every sort of exaggeration is polemically 
arrayed against the forces hostile to art. Religion and 
philosophical elements are introduced, aspirations for the 
idyllic — in short, eve^thing, everything." 

"One thing should be remembered : Wagner's art speaks a 
dramatic language; it does not belong in a room, in camera. 
It is the language of the folk-epics, and even in its noblest 
passages, is not intelligible without being grossly exagger- 
ated. It is meant to be heard from a distance, and to weld 
together the chaos of the masses. For example the Imperial 
(Kaiser) March." 

"Wagner has a dictatorial nature. He overlooks many 
minor circumstances and does not occupy himself with small 
matters but disposes of things in 'a grand style.' There- 
fore, he is not to be judged by isolated details — such as 
music, drama, poesy, the state, art, etc. The music is not 
of much value, likewise the poetry, and the drama even less. 
The dramatic art is often only rhetoric, but taken as one 
comprehensive whole it maintains itself at the same great 
level." 

"He has the feelimg of unity in variety; and for that 
reason I consider him as one of the world's culture-bearers." 

While my brother was unburdening his heart after this 
fashion, he suffered intensely from the fear that Wagner 
would never be able to carry out his plans. When, however, 
news reached him of the success of the undertaking, he re- 
garded it as nothing short of a "miracle" and wrote to 
Rohde: 

203 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

". , . If this miracle be true, the result of my investiga- 
tions will nevertheless, remain. But if it be really true, let 
us rejoice and make it a feast-day." 

He added: "We know from Frau Wagner — and this is a 
secret shared only by the friends of Bayreuth — that the 
King of Bavaria has again come to the rescue with a loan of 
100,000 thalers, so that work on the stage machinery and 
scenery can be pushed forward rapidly. Wagner himself 
writes that the date of the festival is fixed for 1876. He is 
full of courage and firmly convinced that the undertaking is 
now on the high road to success. God grant this ! This 
waiting and anxiety is hard to endure, at times, I have really 
abandoned all hope." 

My brother was plunged into a mood of deep melancholy 
by the result of these investigations. He once said that one 
of the most important elements of self-discipline was to be 
able to raise the veil and to draw it down again when it be- 
came necessary, and that one's feelings should be the best 
judge as to whether this had been done at the right moment 
or not. He felt that the time had not yet arrived for him 
to lift the veil and disclose his real feelings for Wagner, and 
upon realizing this, he sorrowfully drew it down again, or at 
least endeavored to draw it so closely that no one should 
learn the state of his mind. 



204 



CHAPTER XIX. 

SECOND "THOUGHTS OUT OF SEASON." 

(1874) 

IN" the meantime, the second "Thoughts Out of Semon" 
on the "Use and Abuse of History" had been finished 
and sent to Bayreuth, eliciting from Wagner and Frau 
Cosima cordial expressions of approval. My brother also 
interpreted their letters as being friendly and sympathetic 
and informed Gersdorff that he had "received splendid letters 
from Bayreuth." But somewhat later we learned from 
Fritzsch that the work had been spoken of in a rather cool 
and derogatory manner at Wahnfried. 

This is not difficult to understand if one keeps in mind 
that Wagner was engaged in a supreme struggle for the reali- 
zation of his idea, and at such times, demanded of his friends 
that they neglect their own affairs and devote themselves 
heart and soul, to his cause. In other words, he expected 
them to suffer when he suffered and rejoice when he rejoiced. 
This my brother did unreservedly, but at the same time, he 
took the liberty of writing books which had nothing to do 
with Bayreuth. Privy Councillor Ritschl had once said that 
Nietzsche was of no use in party factions and to my 
brother's way of thinking, Bayreuth had already become a 
party fight, that is to say, a matter for the masses. This 

205 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

explains why my brother, despite his solemn exhortation to 
the Germans, was unable to manifest the proper degree of 
zeal and partisanship demanded by Wagner, and also ac- 
counts for the unfriendly comments on the book made in the 
presence of Fritzsch. It is also possible that Wagner was 
repeating what he had often said: "Nietzsche always goes 
his own way, and one has to take him as he is." However 
this may be, the letters acknowledging the receipt of the 
book, were not lacking in warmth and cordiality : 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"Dear friend: 

"Eight days ago we received your new work from the 
bookdealer and have deliberately devoted three evenings to 
the reading of the same. I wished to write to you while we 
were reading it, but the worst thing about it was that the 
thoughts thereby suggested at once mounted into the hun- 
dreds of thousands, until they finally reached the propor- 
tions of a veritable dissertation and could not be disposed of 
within the limitations of a letter. 

"There was one thing, however, which I should have liked 
to call out to you, briefly. That was, that I am made very 
proud by the thought of being relieved of the necessity of 
saying anything in the future, but can now leave everything 
to you. Everything 'in the future'? Yes, one takes fright 
at the very thought, but nevertheless, it is a comfort to know 
that the subject has been approached in the right way. 

"You certainly do not expect praise from me ! It would 
be a fine thing, indeed, for me to presume to praise your wit 
and your fire. My wife always finds just the right tone for 

206 



Second "Thoughts Out of Season" 

anything of that sort, for else why should she be a woman? 
She will not fail to let you hear from her on the subject. 

"Now vaa,y God bless us all together ! Nor will He have a 
very big task as there are so few of us. 

"My big affair will soon be in shape. It will take place 
in 1876. Full rehearsals next year as it is imperative that 
we give ourselves plenty of time. 

"Our own house will be ready in May, and then your room 
will always be at your disposal. I hope that sometime you 
will come here for a good, long rest ; there are plenty of 
mountains nearby. — My wife will write very soon, at present 
she is suffering with her eyes. That seems to be the fashion 
now-a-days. Overbeck is the only one who pleases me be- 
cause he does not wear glasses. Give him my best regards, 
but Gersdorff will always be revered as the absolute ideal. 

"Cordial greetings from 

"Yours, 

"Bayreuth, Febr. 27, 1874. Richard Wagner." , 

Frau Cosima's letter went very much more into detail and 
therefore sounded more friendly than Wagner's, but later 
my brother realized that the beautiful words were only sweet- 
smelling flowers used to conceal the bitter truth that this 
latest work of his was "inaccessible" not only for the larger 
public, but also for the master himself. 

Frau Cosima wrote: ". . . At first we were greatly sur- 
prised, as one is apt to be at present, to find expression given 
to such deep thoughts, and one involuntarily exclaims: 
'Wherefore, for whom is all this meant?' We already know 
these things and those who do not, have no need of knowing 
them until we are made to understand by the course of your 

207 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

development why you were obliged to begin in such an ab- 
stract fashion. This is not intended as a reproach for your 
book, but is merely mentioned as one of the difficulties, which 
will make it inaccessible, I fear, for the larger public. How- 
ever, this is of no importance, as those who are able to 
follow you (and to do this requires, I might say, a certain 
initiation into the secrets of our educational institutions) 
will not only be grateful to you, but will also be conscious of 
a certain exaltation at the thought that you have preserved 
your courage in spite of your keen realization of things as 
they really are. 

"And how well armed you step into the arena, ready for 
battle, deliberate and sure of yourself, in fact, so much so, 
that I greatly fear you will find no opponent and will be 
obliged to content yourself, as did Frithjof, who overturned 
the idols and set the temple in flames without being given 
an opportunity for combat. 

"But that which personally affects me most strongly in 
your work, is the certainty, now made clearer to me, that a 
knowledge of the sufferings of genius has been the means of 
enlightening you as to conditions in the world at large, and 
that you now see not alone with the eyes of intelligence, but 
also with those of the heart. Just as the Indian prince was 
instructed in the essential character of things by being 
brought into contact with beggars, old men and corpses, and 
the Christian is made a saint by the sight of Christ on the 
cross — so your sympathy with genius has made it possible 
for you to gain an all round view of our present-day world of 
culture. It is this which invests your work with its mar- 
vellous warmth, a warmth which it will retain, I am firmly 

208 



Second "Thoughts Out of Season" 

convinced, long after our petroleum and gas stars have been 
extinguished. 

"I think it possible that you would not have been able to 
have felt with us so deeply, had you not had so complete a 
mastery over the manifold phenomena of life. Your irony 
and humor also spring from the same source and create a 
much deeper and more powerful impression by being pro- 
jected upon this background of compassion and sympathy, 
than were they only the result of your play of intelligence. 

"But now, who is going to read the 'History'? I greatly 
fear that you have interfered with the circulation of the 
same by having given it too elegant a binding, as those who 
would gladly pay fifteen silver 'groschen' for the 'Beet- 
hoven! may not be able to find the thaler necessary to have 
unrolled before their eyes the uses and abuses of history, 
however great their enthusiasm for the subject. You should 
not be compelled to look for your reading public among the 
circle of the well-to-do culture-philistines, but rather 
among the 'literary nomads* who today, as in days of yore, 
preserve the genuine German spirit. But be that as it may, 
you have written a very beautiful treatise and as for the 
rest — 'let Hans Sachs take care of that,' and by 'Hans 
Sachs,' I mean the German nation. I say this as one who 
has both great hopes and great fears. We have so often 
discussed form and style when we were together, that I 
should like to say something to you on this subject, although 
I realize that it is the most difficult of all questions if one 
hopes to make one's self perfectly intelligible. 

"One recognizes in your work the influence of aristocratic 
surroundings, but misses a note of complete freedom. In this 
respect, I believe that the classic models remain inimitable, 

209 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

from the very fact that they imitated no one but aspired 
to the beautiful as it was in and around them. Moreover, 
a certain carelessness is apparent to me in your great artistic 
intention, such as, 'where did he get that'; this seems to me 
to be too familiarly expressed to fit into the tone of the 
whole, and I further notice a somewhat too intentional 
avoidance of the relative pronoun 'which.* You nearly 
always say, 'he that does this or that,' 'or that work that 
pleases.' Why do you do this? And finally, can one say 
of himself that he is a 'classical philologist'? Would it 
not be better to say 'professor of classical philology?' But 
while I am putting these unimportant criticisms on paper, I 
am reminded of the splendid moments of your work irrespec- 
tive of the contrast between the inner and outer qualities 
of the same, and I find it very foolish to be thus inflicting 
you with my purisms without having half adequately ex- 
pressed my delight at the richness of your thought and the 
striking originality of your point of view. 

"It is ever thus when one is chatting with an intimate 
friend; one is apt to cling to a discussion of some minor 
point and not touch upon the true greatness of the work, 
simply because one has been pleasantly stimulated by agree- 
ment on the main issues under discussion. 

"But you understand, do you not, my dear friend, just 
how much pleasure you have given by what you have writ- 
ten? . . ." 

I must add here that Cosima always found something to 
criticize in my brother's writings from a standpoint of style. 
And despite his profound admiration for her intellect and 
his gratitude to her for pointing out his faults, he could 
not refrain from smiling at her comments, as strictly con- 

210 



Second "Thoughts Out of Season* 9 

sidered, Frau Cosima was a foreigner. Moved thereto by 
criticisms like the above, my brother once made the heretical 
remark that if she were so keen about achieving an improve- 
ment in German literary style, it would be well to direct her 
energies, first of all to Wagner's well-known transgressions 
in this respect. 

It was weeks before my brother was able to overcome the 
depression resulting from the self-examination to which he 
had subjected himself in regard to his feelings for Wagner's 
art. Now that he no longer considered Richard Wagner 
and his art as representing a transcendent ideal, and no 
longer felt it to be the one and only purpose of his life to 
work for this ideal — he began to look upon himself and all 
his previous efforts as utterly futile. He began to feel as if 
he had been moving around and around in a circle of ideas, 
and had been lacking in the ability of seeing and creating 
a wider and greater field of activity. It was in this strain 
that he wrote to GersdorfF: 

". . . Dear faithful friend: 

"You have much too good an opinion of me. I am firmly 
convinced that the day will come when you will be keenly 
disappointed in me, and I now start the work of disillusion- 
ment by declaring that to the best of my knowledge, I 
deserve not one whit of all your praise. Could you only 
know what discouraged and melancholy thoughts I entertain 
about myself as a productive being! I long for nothing 
more than a little freedom, for the genuine breath of life. 
I am both angry and rebellious when I think of how really 
fettered I am. There can be no question of real productive- 
ness so long as one is conscious of constraint and weighed 

211 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

down by the burdensome feeling of suffering and oppression. 
Will I ever be able to achieve this feeling of perfect freedom? 
Doubt is piled upon doubt ; the goal is too remote and by the 
time one has reached the goal, his strength has been ex- 
hausted by the long struggle. One achieves the wished-for 
freedom and is thereby as exhausted as a day-fly when night 
comes. I have such a haunting fear that this will happen 
to me. It is a misfortune to be conscious of this struggle 
so early in life. Nor have I any deeds to show for it as 
has the artist or the ascetic. How wretched is this everlast- 
ing mire-drumming complaint ! For the moment, I am 
heartily sick and tired of the whole thing. 

"As to my health, it is excellent — you may be quite reas- 
sured on that point. But I am very much dissatisfied with 
nature, who should have endowed me with somewhat less 
intelligence and given me instead a stronger heart. The best 
thing is always lacking with me and the realization of this 
is nothing short of soul-torment. Routine work in any 
profession is a good thing, for it brings with it a certain 
degree of mental torpor and thereby one's suffering is 
reduced. . . ." 

He also wrote in the same melancholy strain to Bayreuth, 
and Frau Cosima replied saying that Wagner would like 
to start at once for Basle and take my brother off home with 
him. I must explain here that Frau Cosima firmly believed 
that the atmosphere of Basle was chiefly responsible for my 
brother's despondency. She wrote : "For a long time I have 
wished that you could get away from Basle, notwithstanding 
the fact that I fully appreciate the many good qualities of 
this little world and the advantages you gain by remaining 

212 



Second "Thoughts Out of Season" 

there. But on the other hand, I also am familiar with the 
gloomy, calvinistic atmosphere and know how little calcu- 
lated it is to help anyone in meeting a difficult situation. 
However worthy they are of our highest respect, and what- 
ever sense of their peculiar characteristics is felt by the good 
people themselves, they nevertheless lead an empty life, and 
are like ghosts moving about in their own peculiar garb so 
that intercourse with them produces the strangest sort of 
melancholy." 

My brother entertained quite different feelings towards 
Basle and Wagner also displayed a far greater understand- 
ing of the situation, ascribing Cosima's animosity to the 
place to a disagreeable experience she once had there. 
Wagner wrote a pleading letter to my brother, begging him 
to come at once to Bayreuth. In this letter he made use of 
all sorts of joking allusions which he knew my brother would 
be apt to employ in searching about for an excuse for not 
going. 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"0 friend: 

Why do you not come to us? 

I can find an excuse for everything — or whatever 

you like to call it. 

Only don't hold yourself so aloof ! If you persist 

in doing this I can do nothing for you. 

You room is ready. 

However — or, on the contrary: 

Nevertheless ! 

or yet: 

213 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

'if it must be'! 

Written the moment after your last letter ar- 
rived. 
More another time. 

"Cordial greetings from 

"Yours 
"Wahnfried, June 9, 1874. R. W." 

This cordial invitation of Wagner's and my brother's 
inability to accept it would again have given rise to un- 
pleasantness had not there been something so touchingly 
mournful about my brother's letter that Wagner felt only 
compassion for the unlucky genius whom fate seemed to be 
pursuing so relentlessly. 

Much of my brother's melancholy arose from his disap- 
pointment in regard to Wagner, who had not reached the 
heights he should have scaled by reason of the irritating 
antagonism of a contemptuous contemporary age. Nor had 
Wagner realized my brother's ideal of the artist and the 
man. It is true that my brother expected far too much 
from his "ideal," and had been led into the mistake of trans- 
forming Wagner into a sort of supernatural being as to 
endowment and character. He made humorous recognition 
of this error some years later when he wrote: "Such gifted 
creatures as I then imagined geniuses to be have never 
existed." 



214 



CHAPTER XX. 



SCHOPENHAUER AS EDUCATOR. 




CJRING this period of doubt and inner conflict, my 
brother would most assuredly have turned to Rohde 
for sympathy, had not this well-beloved friend been 
of a far more melancholy turn of mind than Nietzsche him- 
self, and therefore in constant need of being buoyed up by 
his friends rather than asked to share their burdens. Rohde 
had written the following appealing letter to my brother: 
"... I implore you, dear friend, to let me have frequent 
tokens of your friendship and sympathy, without which I 
could neither live nor breathe. . . A horrible lack of self- 
confidence renders futile all my plans, hopes and wishes, so 
that often I awake suddenly in the night, as if oppressed 
by a terrible nightmare. At such times, I seem to be wan- 
dering about in a desert, without friends, unbeloved of all 
men, and even my very existence seems so uncertain as to 
make any serious attempt to formulate hopes or plans for 
the future appear like a veritable absurdity. . . I know 
these are all delusions of the brain and not borne out by 
actual conditions ; and yet to one who has had the misfortune 
to be born under an unlucky star — it is just these thousand 
and one little things which become entangled in a magician's 
snarl, and form a source of endless irritation and hindrance 
to one as sensitive as I am. At such times, any insignificant 

215 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

disappointment can be made to appear as a symbol of a life 
wholly wrecked. . . ."' 

In an effort to comfort his friend, my brother describes 
the means he employed to extricate himself from similar 
depressing experiences. This he did, first of all, by com- 
posing and then by submerging himself into a creation of a 
new literary work. He writes : "... I have made good use 
of my time during the last six weeks by finishing my 'Hymn 
to Friendship' and writing it out carefully for four hands. 
This song breathes hope and courage and was sung for all 
of you. If this mood can be preserved, I believe that all of 
us will be able to endure the world for some time to come. 
And No. 3 of my 'Thoughts Out of Season' is so well along, 
that I am only waiting for a warm, fructifying rain to see 
it shoot up like a stalk of asparagus." 

As a matter of fact, this third "Thoughts Out of Season," 
entitled "Schopenhauer as Educator,"" 1 proved the greatest 
consolation to my brother during this period of doubt and 
dissatisfaction. In this work he portrayed in manifold 
forms and disguises, the conflict through which he was pass- 
ing, and his deep yearning to invest his own life with per- 
manent and significant values. In a way, it is an attempt 
at self -justification for having placed himself solely at the 
service of Schopenhauer and Wagner, regardless of his own 
unique gifts and intellectual needs. In a passage of won- 
derful beauty, we find the following expression of feeling 
concerning his future development: 

". . . In what way may your life, the life of the indi- 
vidual, retain its highest value and deepest significance? And 
how may it be least squandered? 

"Forsooth, only by living for the good of the rarest and 

216 



"Schopenhauer as Educator''' 

most valuable types, but not for the betterment of the ma- 
jority, who taken as individuals, are the most worthless 
types. And it is precisely this way of thinking that should 
be implanted and cultivated in the mind of youth ; he should 
be taught to regard himself as somewhat of a failure of Na- 
ture's handiwork, but at the same time, as a testimony to 
her larger ideas. 'She has made a mistake,' he should say, 
'but I will do honor to her great idea, by placing myself at 
her service, in order that she may succeed better the next 
time.' 

"Animated by this resolve, he consciously enters the 
charmed circle of that culture, which is the child of every 
man's knowledge of self and dissatisfaction with self. Every 
one who acknowledges fhis culture thereby confesses : let 
every one help me to achieve this, as I will help all those who 
know and suffer as I do, to the end, that finally that man 
will appear, who feels his love and insight, his vision and 
power to be complete and boundless, and who in his univer- 
sality, lives in and with Nature, as the judge and appraiser 
of all human values. 

"It is difficult to impart this feeling of indomitable con- 
sciousness of self to anyone, because it is impossible to teach 
love, and it is from love alone that the soul gains not only 
the clear, analytical, understanding vision of itself, but love 
also creates the desire to get out of one's present self and 
search, with all one's might, for a higher and nobler self, 
still latent. Therefore, it is only by clinging with devotion 
to some great man (as a prototype!) that the individual is 
vouchsafed the first consecration of culture. He may know 
this by his sense of mortification without resentment, by his 
hatred of his own narrow-mindedness and warped vision, by 

217 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

his sympathy with genius ever rearing its head from the 
murky wastes of mediocrity, by his prescience for all that is 
nascent and struggling, and by the innermost conviction 
that Nature in distress is everywhere to be met with, as she 
presses closer to man, as she feels anew a sense of failure, 
and at the same time, sees the success of her marvellous 
conceptions, forms and designs. The men in whose midst we 
live, therefore, are to be likened to the fragments of those 
precious plastics, who cry out to us : Come and help us, piece 
us together as we belong, for we have an inexpressible long- 
ing to be made complete. 

". . . The sum total of these processes I have called the 
'initial consecration into culture.' I have now before me 
the infinitely more difficult task of describing the effects of 
the 'second consecration.' This is the transition from the 
inner life to the valuation of outer processes and manifesta- 
tions. From now on our look is turned outward to search 
through the great world of thought and action for that 
culture known to us from our own earlier acquisitions. The 
individual must utilize his own strivings and aspirations as 
an alphabet whereby he will be able to interpret the strivings 
and aspirations of humanity. Nor can he rest here, but 
must rise still higher. Culture demands from him not only 
these inner processes, and the true valuation of the outer 
world in which he lives and moves, but primarily and finally 
— action. That is to say he is called upon to fight for 
culture, and to oppose all those influences, customs, laws 
and institutions, in which he does not find his own goal — 
namely, the creation of genius." 

Every one who reads this passage will be forced to admit 
that Nietzsche ever remained consistent in his views. His 

218 



"Schopenhauer as Educator" 

goal was the perfection of mankind, and for him humanity's 
genuine salvation and worth were to be found only in the 
highest types. That which he here calls "genius," making it 
the supreme type of human aims and aspirations, he later 
characterized as the "Superman." 

A large part of "Schopenhauer as Educator" was written 
during a delightful spring sojourn we made at the Rhine 
Falls near Schaffhausen, one of the most beautiful spots in 
German Switzerland. Superb weather and a holiday mood 
prevailed, and my brother's melancholy was gradually ban- 
ished by the auspicious influences. Until now, he had suf- 
fered from inordinate modesty, a trait also established by 
the graphologists, who had made a study of his hand- 
writing. He conceived his first duty to be a whole-hearted 
service to Schopenhauer and Wagner, but in the joy of 
creating this new work, he felt for the first time a marvellous 
presentiment of his real worth and the true significance of 
his creative powers. 

We wandered about in the magnificent country surround- 
ing the Rhine Falls until we found a cozy nook where my 
brother could write diligently in his note-book, while I passed 
the time reading Gottfried Keller. We were in the best of 
spirits and fond of indulging in the childish pastime of using 
only one verb in our conversation, my brother explaining 
humorously, that it was quite unnecessary to take so much 
trouble about acquiring a large vocabulary, as a compara- 
tively few words suffice to make one's meaning clear. The 
verb we chose for this game was "snuffle" ("schnobern"), the 
persistent use of which gave rise to no end of jokes and 
misunderstandings. We got the idea from Wagner who had 

219 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

once signed a letter relating to executive matters, with the 
words : 

"Richard Wagner, 
(ever snuffling around to find a trace of the German spirit !)" 

"Snuffling" was finally advanced to the dignity of a noun, 
and ever little nook and corner in the magnificent forest 
bordering the Rhine, which became associated with my 
brother's studies and writings, was christened the "chief 
snuffling place." 

But whatever we did, whether we walked about talking, 
or sat silent, each of us occupied with his own thoughts, we 
were always conscious of the deep, booming organ tones of 
the falls, which formed an accompaniment to all our 
thoughts, and sent us a faint echoing greeting even when we 
strayed far a-field. 

While my brother had succeeded in dispelling the feeling 
of depression, Frau Cosima and Gersdorff, who spent a 
great deal of his time at Bayreuth — continued to worry 
about him and take counsel among themselves as to the best 
way of helping him. Frau Cosima insisted that he should 
leave Basle, but as no other university found favor in her 
sight, the friends hit upon the amusing plan of marrying 
my brother off to some rich woman, whereby he would be 
enabled to come and go as he liked and choose his own place 
of residence, which Frau Cosima never doubted would be 
Bayreuth. 

My brother found this idea of a marriage council very 
diverting and wrote in this strain to Gersdorff: ". . . It is 
really a delicious idea to picture you and the Bayreuth 

220 



"Schopenhauer as Educator" 

friends sitting in a sort of marriage consideration commis- 
sion. Yes-s-s — but! I must say to that, particularly when 
the deliberations end with the advice that there are plenty of 
women in the world, but that it is my business to find the 
right one. Am I then to fare forth like a knight of the Cru- 
sades in quest of the promised land of which you speak? Or 
did you mean that the women were to come to me to be 
inspected, and let me decide which one of them was the right 
one? I find this theme a trifle impossible, dear friend; or 
why do you not make a personal application of the efficacy 
of this theory?'* 

My brother was really much annoyed that so much should 
be said about his depression which he had entirely shaken 
off under the inspiration of creative work. He wrote re- 
peatedly saying that he was not depressed and that his 
letters had apparently created a false impression, but all 
his protestations were to no purpose and finally he was 
obliged to write to Gersdorff: ". . . My dearest, best and 
very best friend, I am really somewhat annoyed that none 
of you will believe me when I say that I am well, uncom- 
monly so, at least, as well as I have any right to expect. 
I cannot say that I am 'very well,' (censor No. 1) but 
what is one to expect here under the changing moon ? But 
who knows, perhaps I shall even bring my health up to No. 
1 just to spite all of you." 

Although no unpleasantness had arisen from my brother's 
failure to accept Wagner's invitation, he came very near 
falling out with Gersdorff, who was on an intimate footing 
in Bayreuth and consequently felt himself called upon to 
reproach my brother for his non-appearance. In fact, he 
went so far as to threaten to absent himself from the reunion 

221 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

of the friends in Basle, if my brother did not come imme- 
diately to Bayreuth. Not even his most intimate friend had 
a suspicion that Nietzsche was then struggling with inner 
doubts and misgivings, and a strong letter was necessary 
in order to put an end to Gersdorff 9 s persistent reproaches : 

"I got no further than good intentions. In regard to 
Bayreuth; it seems to me that their home and their life is 
in such a state of unrest that a visit from us would be un- 
timely. I trust that all of you are now satisfied as to the 
state of my health as you seem to have outdone each other 
in pessimism. I can think of nothing else, at present, but 
of finishing my No. 3 to my satisfaction. By the way, my 
dear friend, how did you hit upon the droll idea of attempt- 
ing to force me to Bayreuth by using a threat? You almost 
make it seem as if I did not wish to go there voluntarily, 
although I was there twice last year and had two meetings 
with the Bayreuth friends the year before, making the trip 
from Basle, despite the inconvenient arrangement of our 
holidays. We both know that Wagner is naturally very 
suspicious, but I should not have thought it a wise thing to 
encourage this feeling. Finally, I beg of you not to lose 
sight of the fact that I have obligations towards myself, and 
that these obligations are difficult to discharge on account 
of my none too robust health. Really, no one shall force 
me to do anything. „ . ." 

Believing that Wagner was genuinely offended at my 
brother, as otherwise Gersdorff's intervention seemed utterly 
incomprehensible, my brother begged me to write to Frau 
Wagner and first of all, to ease her mind in regard to his 

222 



"Schopenhauer as Educator" 

health, and then explain to her how dearly he would have 
welcomed an opportunity of seeing his beloved friends, had 
he. not felt compelled to finish his third "Thoughts Out of 
Season" before granting himself this pleasure. Frau Wag- 
ner replied at once in a most cordial tone, from which it was 
plainly to be seen that Gersdorffs representations had been 
made without their knowledge. One thing revealed by this 
correspondence was that Gersdorff had so endeared himself 
to Wagner and Frau Cosima, that as the latter wrote : "He 
is absolutely the only person at whom one can never take 
offense." 

My brother did everything he could to re-assure me, but I, 
nevertheless, felt a certain apprehension kept him from 
going to Bayreuth, and this reluctance will be well under- 
stood if one bears in mind the private memoranda made at 
this time. It is true that he had drawn a heavy veil of 
forgetfulness over these soul-searching observations, but a 
certain degree of uneasiness remained, and there was the 
ever-present danger of betraying his change of heart. And 
this really did happen when we went to Bayreuth in August. 
In the spring, we had heard a performance of Brahms' 
"Song of Triumph" in the minster at Basle, a work that 
made a deep impression upon my brother. He bought the 
score and took it with him to Bayreuth, without having the 
faintest idea (as I then thought!) that this would be mis- 
interpreted by Wagner. But later I came across this sen- 
tence in my brother's note-book: "The tyrant admits no 
individuality other than his own and that of his most inti- 
mate friends. The danger is great for Wagner when he is 
unwilling to grant anything to Brahms or to the Jews." 

From this it will be seen that my brother wished to make 

223 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

an effort to induce Wagner to be just and generous towards 
Brahms. This Wagner must have suspected, as the "Song 
of Triumph" created an extremely painful scene, in the 
course of which, Wagner indulged in an uncontrollable fit 
of temper quite out of keeping with the insignificant cause. 
Wagner, himself, described the entire scene to me some 
months later, in the rare way he had of speaking ironically 
of himself: "Your brother laid the red-bound book on the 
piano, so that my eye fell upon it every time I came into 
the room and enraged me as a red rag does a bull. I knew 
perfectly well that Nietzsche wished to say to me: 'See here! 
Here is some one else who can also compose something worth 
while!' I stood it as long as I could, and then one evening 
I let go of myself and how I did rage !" Wagner laughed 
heartily as he recalled this scene. — "What did my brother 
say?" I asked anxiously. "Not a word," was Wagner's 
reply, "he grew red in the face and stared at me with a look 
of astonished dignity. I would give a hundred thousand 
marks all at once if I were as well-bred as Nietzsche; he is 
always the aristocrat, always dignified. Such deportment 
is of the utmost value to any one." 

This is the truth of the story which certain Wagnerians 
have embroidered into the following romance. My brother 
showed Wagner an opera he had composed, whereupon 
Wagner, enraged, had replied: "It is a worthless piece of 
work." My brother was deeply offended, and his apostasy 
dated from that episode. But la betise humaine can find no 
other explanation for a change of mind except wounded 
vanity and therefore, invents such unpsychological fables. 

As a result of my brother's "well-bred behavior" this 
episode had no unpleasant results, as Wagner always made 

224 



"Schopenhauer as Educator" 

an especial attempt to be agreeable when be found that he 
had offended Nietzsche, and when agreeable, was always 
irresistible. 

It has always remained a mystery to me why my brother 
did not tell me of this incident. It must have been because 
he took it much more to heart than Wagner would have me 
believe. When I later questioned him about it, he was silent 
for a moment and then said softly : "Lisbeth, at that moment 
Wagner was not great !" 

To all intents and purposes, the friendly feelings still re- 
mained unchanged, but little scenes such as that just de- 
scribed throw a strong light upon the state of my brother's 
mind. I have already mentioned that Wagner's indifference 
and adverse criticism of the second "Thoughts Out of Sea- 
son" had a depressing effect upon my brother at Easter 
1874; it was then that he said to himself with a heavy heart: 
"It has become plain that my only value lies in my being a 
Wagner commentator: I am to be nothing more. I am 
permitted to admire only that which is stamped with the seal 
of Bayreuth's approval." 

Was there ever a great spirit willing to have its course 
circumscribed and mapped out by another? At that time, 
the current of my brother's development was flowing in 
broader and deeper channels than ever before and was he 
now to permit it to be dammed up into a corner? This 
thought agitated and rankled — and yet all the time was 
urging him to greater freedom. In June of 1874, I plucked 
up my courage and spoke to Fritz of his hidden grief, where- 
upon he answered emphatically: "Ah, Lisbeth, each one of 
us has a worm gnawing at his vitals, and I am no exception." 
And in a letter dated July 9, he wrote to Gersdorff : "Many 

225 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

things are fermenting in me, among them much that is ex- 
treme and daring. I should like to know just how far I 
should be justified in communicating these things to my 
best friends, naturally not in writing." 

Cold superficial souls will not be able to comprehend the 
inner conflict with which my brother had been struggling 
during the past four years. What do such persons know 
of a passionate friendship such as bound my brother to 
Richard Wagner, what of the agitation of a loving heart all 
a-quiver with pain at the thought of the heart-breaking 
hours preceding the final farewell? My brother was not 
only grieved at the thought of what this break would mean 
to him but of the distress he would, thereby, be causing 
others ; but it is possible that he had an exaggerated idea of 
Wagner's feelings on the matter. 

Upon returning from Bayreuth to Basle in August of 
1874, my brother at once set about re-writing a part of 
"Schopenhauer as Educator." Apparently other and newer 
thoughts had come to him during his sojourn in Bayreuth 
and it is therefore, most regrettable that the first draft of 
the work is no longer available, so that a comparison might 
be made, with a view of establishing the changes made out 
of affection and deference for Wagner. On the twenty- 
fourth of September, he wrote to Gersdorff: ". . . The 
closing weeks of our summer semester was a difficult time 
for me, dear friend, and I draw a deep breath now that it is 
over. In addition to all my other work I was obliged to 
re-write a comparatively long section of my No. 3, and 
the inevitable fatigue and soul-exhaustion attendant upon 
such studies came very near upsetting me, and I have not 
yet entirely recovered from the child-bed fever. But at all 

226 



"Schopenhauer as Educator" 

events, I can console myself by the thought that something 
worth while has been brought into the world, and a work in 
which you will take the keenest delight.'* 

The forthcoming publication of the third "Thoughts Out 
of Season" was also announced to the friends in Bayreuth, as 
is to be seen from a draft of a letter found in an old note- 
book. The letter itself, like so many others, was destroyed 
in Bayreuth, but the replies of Wagner and Frau Cosima in- 
dicate that the rough draft agrees in the main with the letter 
as it was finally written. 

Friedrich Nietzsche to Richard Wagner. 

(Draft of Letter written about Oct. 10, 1874.) 

"The summer has now come and gone as well as my 
autumn vacation, and nothing came of the meeting of my 
friends arranged to take place at this time, or rather it all 
turned out quite different from what we had planned. Gers- 
dorff was expected from day to day and finally arrived just 
as I was in the thick of my heaviest school work; Rohde 
had even worse luck during the fortnight he spent in Basle 
as we were all over-run with work to an almost unendurable 
degree and were consequently unable to do much for my 
friend. Krug passed through Basle with his wife, Deussen 
was also here, but young Baumgartner deserted me to ab- 
solve his year of military service with the Hussar regiment in 
Bonn. We three friends in 'Baumann's Cave' take long 
walks together but not without that feeling of making our- 
selves ridiculous that always attaches itself to an isolated 
trinity. As evening comes and we see our three long shadows 
stalking along near us, the thought of the 'Three Just Comb- 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

Makers' (the title of one of Gottfried Keller's novels) 
occurs to us and we laugh ourselves to death. 

"Within the next few days, I hope to send you my No. 3 
which I recommend to your sympathetic good-will and con- 
sideration. The average reader will think that I am talking 
about the man in the moon, but in the long run, I only care 
about 6 or 7 readers. The work must now take its course 
and I know of nothing more to say about it. In the mean- 
time, ideas for the succeeding number are already pressing 
in upon me, but heavy duties, particularly in the way of 
Greek literature, make it seem highly improbable that I shall 
be in a position to put my hand to this task." 

Copy of a telegram sent by Richard Wagner to Nietzsche 
upon receiving the above-mentioned copy of his "Schopen- 
hauer as Educator" : 

"Deep and great. Presentation of Kant boldest and most 
original idea. Verily, only intelligible for those who are 
possessed. I can picture to myself the three just men. 
May they cast long shadows in the sun-land of the present. 

"Yours, 

"R. W." 

This third "Thoughts Out of Season" was greeted with 
enthusiasm in Bayreuth, and made the subject of much 
rejoicing. It was received with quite different feelings from 
the second which had provoked only a moderate degree of ap- 
proval, not unmixed with antagonism. Frau Cosima wrote 
a wonderful letter on the subject: 

"This is my 'Thoughts Out of Season,'' my dear friend, 
and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the pleas- 

228 



"Schopenhauer as Educator" 

urable stimulation the book has given me. The feelings, 
thoughts, ideas, intuition, power and knowledge therein 
displayed, have amazed me and I have warmed my soul at 
the fire of your enthusiasm, — here burning so bright and 
clear — just as I did in the case of your 'Birth of Tragedy.'' 
And how beautiful and characteristic is your language! 
It is easy to see that here you had a concrete and inspiring 
theme which you were able to grasp in its entirety, and the 
depths to which you have moved me are only to be measured 
by the strength you have displayed in your comprehension 
of this theme. I find your introduction extraordinarily 
beautiful and artistic ; it suggests those magnificent intro- 
ductions employed by the master musicians in leading up 
to their Allegri. And you could not have introduced the 
name of Schopenhauer more effectively and beautifully, and 
at the same time, done more to arouse the interest of the 
reader, than by expounding to us, first of all, the debt we 
owe to culture. I find it particularly beautiful that you 
write here subjectively, for as you say later on, the effect 
of Schopenhauer's genius is almost uncanny, and for that 
reason it is of the utmost importance to learn the personal 
testimony of one of the elect. 

"The comparison with Montaigne, the distinctive qualities 
of cheerfulness, in the case of greater and lesser men, the 
three elements comprised in the impression created by 
Schopenhauer completely satisfied my curiosity as to how 
you would succeed in characterizing this powerful genius. 
Your very correct discrimination between Kant and 
Schopenhauer brought to my mind a picture, in which the 
former in his life, works (and quite abnormal genius!) was 
to be compared to Bach, while Schopenhauer could only be 

229 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

compared to Beethoven ; Beethoven also certainly prized his 
own music more highly than did his contemporaries. But 
the most beautiful thing of all — in fact, that part of your 
essay which moved me to tears — was your presentation of 
the three dangers by which genius is confronted, and more 
particularly the picture you draw of the third danger. I 
feel that your eloquence and illuminating prescience has 
furnished me with the key to Luther's visitations, and when 
you affirm that you take no pleasure in the German lan- 
guage, you are magnanimously punished by the noble muse, 
who has endowed you with a gift of persuasion and impres- 
siveness, to be attained through the medium of no other 
language, in this particular field of thought. Do you not 
see, dear friend, that this is German (not national), that it 
is felt as a German would feel it, spoken as a German would 
speak it? Having arrived at this point, I should like to 
ask you if you do not think that nations, as well as indi- 
viduals, are unique, and that therefore, Germany is not to 
be treated as only one little corner of the earth (compared 
to larger territorial areas) for she is unique both in her 
good and her bad qualities, and our only wish should be that 
her development may not be retarded by the worms and 
caterpillars gnawing at her vitals? 

"Personally I do not share the feeling of impending danger 
upon which you touch ; I regard our democracy as so mis- 
erable a thing, that to me, it seems to be very far removed 
from Rousseau's 'Image of Man,' nor do I think that it 
will ever be able to achieve the same results. I can imagine 
that one fine day the Socialists will have vanished, as you 
so splendidly forecast in regard to the professors of 
philosophy (in many ways, one of the most beautiful pas- 

230 



"Schopenhauer as Educator" 

sages in your entire essay). Socialism is disharmonious, as 
is everything, of necessity, that is achieved by force, and 
will disappear from the moment it is no longer fortified by 
genuine non-German support. But you are right in saying 
that anxiety on this score, whether justified or not, has a 
most demoralizing effect. The Goethe man is very correct 
and beautiful, however incapable we are in youth of appreci- 
ating this image of man, and would like to place a sword at 
his left. Even more beautiful was your portrayal of the 
'platonic idea' in Schopenhauer's philosophy. Hail to you, 
dear friend, for your capacity of establishing the innermost 
nature of genius thereby rescuing this treasure from the 
dark shaft of knowledge, and bringing it again to the clear 
light of day. Your penetrating vision, your firm resolve, 
your assured boldness of action (I call your writings 
'acts') are abiding qualities whether recognized or not by 
the world, at present. It is said that there are persons, who, 
wandering about at random, are able to establish for a cer- 
tainty the presence of minerals or water in the ground upon 
which they are treading, and in the same way, you seem, 
quite intuitively, to have apprehended the nature of genius. 
You not only understand the language of genius, but your 
perspicacity bores through the deep shaft of moral values 
and the infinitely deeper one of the sufferings of genius. 
I was deeply moved when I read what you say of the de- 
generacy of the sensitive natures in Germany, as this is the 
one thing about our Fatherland which grieves me inex- 
pressibly. What shall I say further of your presentation 
of Nature in her so-called extravagant mood, of your won- 
derful picture of the relationship existing between animals 
and men, of the aim and abuse of culture, of the present-day 

231 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

philosophers, who read newspapers and attend concerts in 
their leisure moments, and of the relations between philoso- 
phy and the state ! Should I attempt to do this, there would 
be no end to this letter, and I should most probably not 
succeed in making myself clear or intelligible; what I have 
already written will surely suffice, despite its cursory char- 
acter, to give you a picture of the impression created upon 
me by the reading of your book. On the whole, it seems to 
me that in none of your previous works, have you so fully 
proven yourself a master of form and content, and as a con- 
sequence of this, your wit and humor flow more freely in this 
essay. It is also 'cheerful' as you say of Schopenhauer's 
works, and I am of the opinion that it will cut a deep furrow, 
did not things look as they do with us ! But who would dare 
indulge in a prophecy under the present confused conditions? 
You will completely win over the 6 or 7 for whom you write, 
and in the long run, this minority will also have a word to 
say. . . ." 

Tins splendid letter of Cosima's is not to be regarded 
merely as an expression of her own personal expression on 
"Schopenhauer as Educator," but also reflects Wagner's 
views on the subject. Wagner himself once told me that 
when Cosima was reading the book aloud to him, she kept a 
note-book and pencil at hand, and jotted down his comments. 
Every one of my brother's works was read aloud and com- 
mented upon in the same fashion. Therefore, Cosima's 
letters containing discussions of my brother's books are to be 
regarded as of particular value, mirroring, as they do, an 
accurate picture of Wagner's mood at the time of reading. 

On the other hand, I should not like to state positively 
that my brother expressed himself as candidly in his letters 

232 



"Schopenhauer as Educator" 

to the Bayreuth friends. There were several reasons for 
this, one of them being his desire to avoid everything that 
could possibly give offense to his dearly-beloved friend, 
and furthermore, his regard for the formalities of polite 
intercourse. My brother often carried this delicacy so far 
as to express adverse opinions of men and things, if he 
thought that by so doing, he would please the person to 
whom he was writing or speaking. For example, attacks 
upon the Jews are often to be found in his letters to Wagner 
which expressed Wagner's views on the subject rather than 
his own. This hyper-courtesy was often a great burden to 
him and he was angry with himself with yielding to this 
feeling. The knowledge that he was not able to keep up 
the same freedom of intercourse with Wagner and his family 
as he had done in the happy Tribschen days also added to 
his depression and it is easy to understand his feelings 
when he writes: 

". . . Ah, we lonely, free souls. We see that we con- 
tinually seem to be other than we really are ; while wishing 
for nothing so much as to be honest and sincere, we are 
caught in a net of misunderstandings and despite our most 
passionate desires, are unable to prevent a haze of false 
meanings, compromises, and erroneous innuendoes from ob- 
scuring our real deeds and thoughts. A cloud of melancholy 
settles on our brow, for the thought that speciousness is 
a necessity is as hateful to us as that of death, itself. . . ." 

Without a knowledge of the above-mentioned reasons, it 
would be impossible to understand why my brother wrote 
such melancholy letters to Bayreuth during the winter of 

233 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

1874-75. Otherwise, he was in fairly good spirits ; his 
"Schopenhauer as Educator" had convinced him that he was 
on the right road, his health was excellent and great activity 
reigned in Basle social circles that winter. A few of the 
German professors and their wives had formed a little circle, 
in true German fashion, with a fixed date for reunions. To 
this belonged the philosopher Max Heinze, the political 
economist, von Miaskowski, Immermann of the medical 
faculty, Professor Overbeck, Dr. Romundt and my brother. 
The time was passed in music-making, readings, tableaux 
and even dancing. Frau Miaskowski has published passages 
from her correspondence at that time, which would have 
seemed quite incredible to the friends in Bayreuth had they 
compared it with Nietzsche's letters to them of the same 
period. She says: "One evening, we took along a young 
woman who happened to be our guest at the time. Upon 
reaching home, she remarked that she had never been in an 
atmosphere of such innocent jollity, and the queerest part 
of it all was that the two chief fun-makers were Nietzsche 
and Overbeck, both of them known throughout Germany 
as the worst sort of pessimists and Schopenhauerians." 

High spirits also reigned in Bayreuth where Christmas 
was being celebrated for the first time in Wagner's new 
home, christened "Wahnfried." The Christmas tree, placed 
in the large reception hall, stretched out its branches until 
they reached the golden gallery. Frau Wagner wrote us 
a detailed account of the festivities and described how she 
stood in the gallery, taking the part of the "dear God" to 
the young musicians of the Nibelung "Kanzelei," who were 
climbing up and down the ladder disposing of the decora- 
tions according to her instructions, while Wagner in the 

234 



"Schopenhauer as Educator" 

role of Jacob, but not a sleeping one, attended to matters 
at the foot of the ladder. My brother's letter of birthday 
greeting to Frau Cosima introduced a minor strain into 
this symphony of gayety and Christmas cheer, and so an- 
noyed Wagner that he replied at once and took this oppor- 
tunity of airing all the grievances he had been cherishing 
for the last year: 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"Dear friend: 

"Your letter has given rise to renewed uneasiness about 
you. My wife will write you at length on this subject in 
a few days, but I happen to have a free quarter of an hour 
on the second holiday and this I am going to devote to 
you, possibly to your annoyance. I must let you know 
what we have been saying about you; one thing was that 
never in my entire life did I have such opportunities for 
masculine companionship as you seem to have in Basle; 
but if you are all determined to be hypochondriacs, then 
this intercourse will be of no value to you. There seems 
to be a lack of young women, but as my old friend Sulzer 
used to say, 'Where can we get them unless we steal them?* 
I should say that in a case of extreme necessity, one would 
be justified in stealing. Of one thing I am firmly convinced, 
and that is that you must either get married or write an 
opera. One would do you just about as much good — or 
harm ! — as the other. But of the two, I advise you to marry. 

"In the meantime I can recommend a palliative, but you 
are so in the habit of looking after your own apothecary 
that it is impossible for any one to prescribe for you. For 

235 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

example, when we built our house, we made arrangements 
to offer you an asylum at any time, such as was never 
offered to me even in the time of my direst necessity. The 
plan was for you to spend your entire summer vacations here 
with us, but no sooner has winter set in than you cautiously 
announce your intention of spending the summer on a high 
and remote peak of the Swiss Alps. Can that be otherwise 
construed than as a refusal of our invitation in advance? 
We could be of great help to you. Why do you scorn this 
assistance on every occasion? Gersdorff and all the others 
always enjoy being here. There will be a great deal going 
on here. All of my Nibelung singers will be passed in re- 
view, the scenic painter will be at work, the machinist will 
be busy fitting up the stage and all of us will be head over 
ears in the matter. But — every one knows this and other 
peculiarities of our friend Nietzsche. 

"I shall say nothing more on this subject, however, as I 
realize that is not of the slightest use. For Heaven's sake, 
do marry a rich wife! Why was Gersdorff born a man? 
Or go off on a long trip and enrich your mind with all the 
beautiful experiences which make Hillebrand so versatile 
and enviable (in your eyes!) and then — write your opera 
which I know will be scandalously difficult to perform. What 
Satan made a pedagogue of you? You see how radical I 
have become under the influence of your letter ; but God 
knows, I cannot look on and remain quiet. 

"By the way, Dr. Fuchs gave me great pleasure by quot- 
ing a passage from Overbeck's book, which interested me 
so much that I am now re-reading it. 

"For the second time, by the way ! Full rehearsals next 

236 



"Schopenhauer as Educator" 

summer (with orchestra) in Bayreuth. The Festival in 
1876. We cannot be ready before then. 

"I am taking daily baths, because I can no longer endure 
the misery in my abdomen. Do you also bathe, and eat 
meat? 

"Heartfelt greetings from 

"Yours faithfully, 
"Second Christmas Day, 1874. R. W." 

The mention of Prof. Hillebrand of Florence refers to 
a disagreement my brother had with his friends in Bayreuth 
the preceding year. My brother wrote to Gersdorff : "Here 
is a splendid piece of news. Order immediately from Gorlitz 
'Twelve Letters From an Aesthetic Heretic,' published by 
Robert Oppenheim, Berlin, 1874. You will take unbounded 
delight in this book, but I shall leave you to guess the name 
of the author. New courage is ever springing up in my 
heart and our little 'Society of Hopeful Ones* seems to 
be steadily increasing." 

The book to which reference is made here, was written 
by Carl Hillebrand, of Florence, whom Gersdorff knew and 
esteemed very highly. The views therein expressed coincided 
so exactly with my brother's well-known theories that even 
Jacob Burckhardt assumed that the author must be an 
intimate friend of Nietzsche's, possibly Gersdorff. 

My brother and his little circle of friends in Basle thought 
so highly of this book that he sent it to Bayreuth, but 
despite his warm recommendations, it found but scant recog- 
nition from Wagner and Frau Cosima. The latter wrote: 
"Upon your recommendation, I have read Hillebrand's little 
work and while some very delightful ideas are expressed 

237 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

therein, I, nevertheless, found much to censure. First of all, 
a certain diffusiveness and carelessness of form, an arrogant 
tone, and a conspicuous lack of warmth, depth and humor. 
I should like to say to him what was said to Malvolio: Just 
because you are virtuous is no reason that there are no 
cakes and wine in the world. . . . Further, I find that the 
essay has an entirely erroneous fundament ; had he really 
found the picture given as the raison d'etre of the letters, 
then it was plainly his duty to reveal the secret and give 
the name of it. Even though it were proven later that he 
had been mistaken, this error would have been condoned 
as the result of misguided enthusiasm, and in any case, 
would have been of more service than his coquettish half- 
veiled allusions. An error of judgment, later confessed, is 
always a courageous deed. His constructive hopes also 
appear rather insignificant ; they were unquestionably in- 
fluenced by the 'Birth of Tragedy,' 'Opera and Drama,' 
'Art and Politics,' etc., but he did not possess sufficient in- 
tellectual strength and courage to ally himself to these 
'hopeful ones,* but was bent upon reserving a little special 
niche for himself and his work. To me, this little niche 
looks very much like a sulking corner. And then his cita- 
tions — 'Tom Jones' and 'Orestria.' . . . And furthermore, 
to expect the Germans to know what the expression Tarte 
a la creme signifies ! Do you think the same thing could be 
expected from the French had he quoted from the German 
without giving the name of the author? The result is that 
the reader recognizes the intention and at once becomes 
disgruntled. And to my mind, Goethe is quite another sort 
of universal genius from Moliere. On the whole, I found 
that a great deal of bad taste was displayed in this little 

238 



"Schopenhauer as Educator" 

book which is forever harping upon the question of 
taste. . . ." 

I can not give the exact reason for Frau Cosima's harsh 
verdict but only remember that Wagner always displayed 
a particular aversion to the expressions "taste" and "taste- 
ful" and for this reason the little book (the exemplification 
of "good taste" in the best sense of the word) found no 
favor in her eyes. My brother had no particular reason 
for breaking a lance for Hillebrand, as the latter's criticisms 
of my brother's writings were not entirely sympathetic. 
But however that may be, my brother found aesthetic ten- 
dencies coinciding with his own and possessed sufficient 
objectivity of judgment to make acknowledgment of this, 
irrespective of any personal feeling in the matter. 



239 



CHAPTER XXI. 

WINTER IN BAYREUTH. (1875) 

MY brother spent the Christmas holidays of 1874-75 
very quietly with us in Naumburg, and we again 
discussed many "big plans," the most immediate 
of these being my long cherished trip to Italy where I was 
to be joined by my brother at Easter. But nothing turned 
out as we expected. On January 17, 1875, I received a 
letter from my brother saying : "My dear Lisbeth, this year 
is going to be quite different from the plans we made at 
Christmas. See enclosed letter from Frau Wagner as to the 
plans that are brewing in Bayreuth." 

Frau Cosima's letter read as follows: "I come to you 
with a big request and one that you will think is most un- 
usual, my dear friend. While making preparations for our 
approaching tour, it has become more and more difficult 
for me to leave the children behind, although I know that 
they will be well taken care of here. My first thought was 
to send the two older girls to the Louisa Institute somewhat 
earlier than originally planned, but I had no sooner re- 
ceived permission to do this from the prioress than I became 
frightened at the idea of leaving the younger children alone 
the entire time, as it will scarcely be practicable to have 
the others come home for the Easter vacation. I would 
solve the problem by taking all five of them with me, did I 

240 



Winter in Bayreuth (1875) 

not fear the ridicule of newspaper reporters. In this 
dilemma, I turned to Fraulein Maier and begged her to come 
to my rescue and this she promised to do, but now writes 
that there has been a calamity of some sort in her family 
which will require her presence at home. Before resorting 
to the desperate alternative of sending the children away to 
school, I am writing to ask whether your sister would do 
us the great favor of coming to us at the beginning of 
February and remaining here as a mother to our children 
when we leave on our tour the middle of March. 

"They have their governess (a good-natured young girl) 
and the household consists further of the housekeeper, her 
sister Kuni, whom you know, the gardener, and the stable- 
boy, all of them most reliable. The whole thing resolves 
itself into a moral sedative to quiet my mother heart. I 
would introduce your sister to our circle of friends here, 
who, no doubt, would do all they could for her during our 
absence. I have not written directly to your sister, wishing 
to spare her the embarrassment of refusing, and thinking 
that you would know best whether this request can be 
granted or not. I fully recognize the difficulties with which 
every one has to struggle and the restraint circumstances 
place upon our movements. That I presume to ask so great 
a favor from you and your sister, will most assuredly prove 
to you the light in which I regard our relations. . . ." 

To this my brother added: "I beg of you unconditionally 
to grant this request and I feel assured in advance of our 
mother's joyful assent." On this last point my brother 
greatly erred, as this plan not only brought to light my 
mother's hitherto concealed antagonism against the Wagners 
at this time, but aroused her indignation at my brother for 

241 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

having so freely disposed of me without consulting her. My 
brother was in the habit of monopolizing me for six months of 
the j^ear in Basle and it made her very angry to learn that 
she was to be deprived of my company during the winter 
months also. A somewhat excited exchange of letters took 
place between the two members of my famity, but finally they 
came to an agreement and this helped to remove the uneasi- 
ness I felt at assuming so great a responsibility. The fact 
that I had spent the greater part of my life in the company 
of so superior a person as my brother, had robbed me of the 
necessary self-confidence. I had come to think of myself 
as a very unimportant member of society and had acquired 
the habit of concealing my best and most original qualities 
as if they were something to which I had no right. On the 
other hand, no amount of appreciation bestowed upon my 
brother seemed to me to be unwarranted. This lack of self- 
confidence led on the one hand to a rather exaggerated self- 
depreciation and on the other, to all kinds of surprises for 
others as well as for myself, for, as a matter of fact, when 
any responsibility was imposed upon me, I suddenly de- 
veloped qualities and gifts,, hitherto unexpected. I only 
mention this by way of explanation, as it was not the pros- 
pect of the stay in Bayreuth that occasioned my excessive 
nervousness, but only the thought that I might not be able 
to fulfill my brother's expectations. 

Early in February I set out for Bayreuth in high spirits, 
as it made me very happy to think I could be of service to 
friends whom I admired so greatly and who had always 
been so uncommonly kind to me. My brother was even 
happier than I at the turn affairs had taken, and wrote: 

"Dear Lisbeth, I am delighted at your decision. I attach 

242 



Winter in Bayreuth (1875) 

great importance to this visit, which, in the long run, will 
be a sort of high school for you. Moreover, I know of no 
other way by which you could be so thoroughly initiated 
into my Bayreuth relations, and it is fortunate for future 
developments that things have so shaped themselves. I am 
overwhelmed with joy every time I think of it. . . ." 

As has been seen from Wagner's earlier letters, he wished 
to appoint my brother Siegfried's legal guardian, and this 
will explain my brother's repeated references to the impor- 
tance of my becoming more closely acquainted with con- 
ditions in Wahnfried. He once wrote: "When I think of 
the manifold obligations I shall some day be obliged to 
assume towards Wagner's family, it seems to me to be of 
the highest importance that you should also be on a familiar 
footing with them." 

I was given a most friendly reception in Bayreuth and 
was made to feel perfectly at home there: Cosima took me 
with her to pay thirty-two calls, as a result of which I was 
deluged with invitations as soon as the Wagners had set 
out on their journey to Vienna. I was soon the best of 
friends with the five well-behaved, lovable children. Daniela, 
the eldest, was then fifteen and almost a young lady, so that 
I could take her with me to all the coffee parties given in 
my honor, but this distressed the other children so greatly 
that I curtailed my social activities as much as possible. 
Later Frau Cosima wrote my brother a letter filled with 
the children's lavish expressions of endearment, and in a 
letter to Fraulein von Meysenburg, he repeated one of 
Siegfried's remarks about me: ". . . Siegfriedchen said to 
my sister, 'I love you more than I do myself . . ." 

I took the children for long, daily walks, and remember 

243 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

particularly an excursion to the "Fantasie," where the little 
ones were given a special treat in my brother's name. A 
carriage was ordered for the occasion and the children were 
allowed to have chocolate and cake to their heart's desire. 
They enjoyed being the chief personages at the feast and 
Daniela proposed a very pretty toast in verse to the "Good 
Uncle Nietzsche." Upon learning of this, my brother wrote : 
"Thank the children for the dear Uncle-Nietzsche toast at 
the Fantasie picnic; it gave me a ridiculous amount of 
pleasure." 

I was somewhat surprised to find comparatively little 
understanding in Bayreuth for Wagner's art, but on the 
other hand, tremendous interest in all the external circum- 
stances connected with it. I must have written something 
of this sort to my brother, as he answered: "I perfectly 
understand your remarks in regard to the good people of 
Bayreuth; I do not remember ever having claimed that it 
was an 'enthusiastic' city. But you will surely have noticed 
that it is a place where we all share in the government, even 
though this be only the control of gossip ; in other words, 
that one can live there just as he pleases and the people 
soon adapt themselves to conditions." 

But that which gave the greatest pleasure during this 
sojourn in Bayreuth was the fact that my admiration for 
Wagner and Frau Cosima increased rather than diminished 
upon closer acquaintance, as I thus gained a better under- 
standing of their unique qualities of head and heart. 
Wagner was an ideal head of a family; I have seen him 
leave his work to play "horse and wagon" with the children, 
and all difficulties were met with an assumption of cheer- 
fulness. 

244 



Whiter in Bayreuth (1875) 

But he could also manifest great impatience when ap- 
proached with all sorts of tiresome requests ; one thing that 
was extremely distasteful to him being the examination of 
new compositions. Some days the mail brought heaps of such 
compositions and at such times Wagner raged in a manner 
truly Jovian. One incident of this nature has remained 
indelibly impressed upon my memory because of the part 
I took in it. An unusually bulky parcel arrived one day, 
containing an opera composed by the director of such and 
such a bank. When Wagner told me this, I said, "Oh, I 
know his name, as I have some stock in that bank." Wag- 
ner raised his finger with a warning gesture, saying: "Little 
girl, sell those stocks at once ; a bank director who writes 
operas does not pay sufficient attention to business." 
Thereupon, banker Feustel took the matter up and reassured 
us as to the liability of the bank in question. But in this 
instance, the artist's intuition was correct, as the bank later 
became quasi-bankrupt and my disregard of Wagner's ad- 
vice cost me several thousand marks. On the other hand, 
Wagner was always ready to comply with any reasonable 
request made by his friends whether it were the inspection 
of manuscripts or the autographing of photographs [tasks 
for which he had no great fondness]. For instance, my 
brother asked him for a picture for Frau von Moltke, the 
sister-in-law of the field marshal, which Wagner sent at 
once with the following note: 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"Dear friend: 

"Here is the photograph selected by my wife, and your 
sister also approved of this one. It does not please me at 

245 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

all, and moreover, I wear my hair much more becomingly 
at present. But as it is intended for a woman, it is a matter 
for the women to decide. 

"I have now become a regular man of business ; that is 
to say, a theatrical promoter. The thought makes me dizzy, 
not once in a while, but every day. We are leaving for 
Vienna day after tomorrow. Delightful thought ! The only 
thing pleasant about it is the opportunity it gives me to 
play the Gotterdammerung excerpts for my wife. I imagine 
you receive frequent reports from Wahnfried. The most 
gratifying news that could come to me from Basle is that 
you are well. 

"Cordial greetings from 

"Yours, 
"Rich. Wagner." 

I shall never forget the quiet evenings, when the children 
had been sent to bed and we sat together in the library 
talking of all manner of things. At first, my brother was the 
chief topic of conversation and I can still see the significant 
looks exchanged between Wagner and Frau Cosima as I 
related how cheerful my brother had been during the Christ- 
mas holidays and how many diverting things he had to tell 
us of the Basle "circle." "Then why does he always write 
us such melancholy letters?" asked Wagner, almost angrily. 
"Does he do that?" I replied, genuinely astonished, and upon 
receiving an affirmative, hastened to explain that in writing 
to Wahnfried he was always made to realize how far away 
he lived, and could no longer share all their intimate 
family experiences as in the dear old days at Tribschen. 
Wagner seemed somewhat mollified, declaring that it did him 

246 



Winter in Bayrewth (1875) 

good to hear this explanation. And of a truth, my stay in 
Wahnfried did much to dissipate Wagner's distrust of my 
brother's loyalty, and this in turn, pleased my brother 
tremendously. 

During the course of our conversation, I heard much of 
Wagner's inward sufferings, and it was from these confi- 
dences that I learned of the heavy burden borne by geniuses 
who, standing as they do in direct contact with all the great 
movements of thought and culture, are exposed to endless 
friction. Wagner's wrath at the German people (to which, 
as far as I know, he continued to give expression to the 
end of his days) can only be explained by the fact that his 
entire life, his work and his aspirations had been rendered 
extremely difficult by the antagonism met with in Germany. 
When reminded of this, even in the remotest way, he flew into 
an uncontrollable fit of rage. I often had the feeling that 
these outbursts of wrath to which Cosima and I were forced 
to listen, were in reality intended for the spirits of his ad- 
versaries hovering about him, to accept a theory once 
expressed by my brother. Although Cosima never gave the 
slightest cause for such outbursts, he often turned upon 
her, and the equanimity with which she endured these in jus- 
tifiable attacks heightened my admiration for this remarkable 
woman. On the whole, it must be admitted that being the 
wife of a genius is not the easiest position in the world to 
fill. 

During my visit a warm friendship sprang up between 
Cosima and myself and we began to use the familiar "Du" 
in addressing one another. Great fortitude was demanded 
of her at this time, as a subtle form of blackmail was em- 
ployed against her, and although these attacks were repelled 

247 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

with true greatness and dignity, she nevertheless suffered 
inexpressibly. I endeavored to console her as best I could, 
without knowing the true nature of these accusations at the 
time. As a result of these machinations, she was obliged 
to dismiss a number of the servants who had been in her 
employ while she was still the wife of Hans von Biilow. 

As they were on the whole rather incompetent, they were 
easily replaced by one reliable man servant and the re- 
maining honest Bavarians of the household were glad to 
know that this mischief-making element had been dismissed. 
From this time forth, Wagner's former dissolute household 
developed into a veritable "idyll," as Cosima later wrote me. 

I have often been asked to describe Cosima's appearance 
and character and I shall here make an attempt to do this. 
She had a good skin and a wealth of very beautiful hair, a 
very large mouth and nose, which she inherited from her 
father, Franz Liszt, to whom she bore a striking resem- 
blance. Like him she was also tall and thin, too much so 
for a woman. But after all, her appearance was a matter 
of complete indifference, as she possessed so much charm 
as to make every one oblivious of her external traits. In 
fact, no one would have wished her to look other than she 
did, as her entire appearance was admirably suited to her 
character and dominating personality. For me, Cosima was 
the personification of "will to power" in the noblest sense 
of this term; so long as Wagner lived, she exercised these 
powers by and through him, by which I do not mean to say 
that she ruled him, but only that his art, his fame, his great- 
ness, and his puissance, were her instruments of power. It 
is only since his death, at least so it seems to me, that her 
eminent gifts have been given their fullest expression. To 

248 



Winter in Bayreuth (1875) 

judge Cosima by any other standards would be to misunder- 
stand her splendid character, her abandonment of Billow for 
Wagner, her entire rich and full life and her later evolution 
into the "Margravine of Bayreuth," as my brother jokingly 
christened her. 

A German writer, sadly lacking in psychological instincts, 
started the absurd report that my brother had entertained 
a grand passion for Cosima. Wagnerians, who were in- 
dignant with my brother for his apostasy to Wagner (en- 
tirely overlooking the fact that this was done from purely 
artistic and philosophical convictions) endeavored to make 
capital out of this invention by misrepresenting the entire 
origin of the relationship existing between Wagner and 
Nietzsche and the causes leading up to the final rupture. 
Any one who has followed the course of these relations from 
chapter to chapter in this little book, will be convinced of 
the absolute absurdity of this gossip. 

My brother always spoke in terms of the greatest 
respect of Frau Wagner and pronounced her "the most 
sympathetic woman," in fact, "the only woman possessing 
the grand manner" whom he had met during the course of 
his whole life. Any thought of an alleged "grand passion" 
would most assuredly have seemed ridiculous to him. 

In one of his aphorisms, my brother has very clearly de- 
scribed how a feeling of great love arises in a man. (Nat- 
urally he was speaking here objectively.) ". . . Whence 
springs this deep and sudden passion of a man for a woman? 
Least of all from sensuality but rather when the man dis- 
covers weakness, dependence and at the same time, pride 
in some woman. His soul as it were, boils over, he is at 

249 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

once touched and yet resentful, and it is in this moment that 
love springs up in his heart." 

The attributes here described are fundamentally different 
from those possessed by Cosima : "Weakness, a clinging na- 
ture, pride'* — I am moved to laughter at the thought of the 
very opposite qualities awakening the grand passion in my 
brother. 

It was a great delight to my brother to learn so many de- 
tails of the life in Bayreuth from my letters and later 
verbally, and all that I told him only strengthened his belief 
in Wagner's friendship. Gersdorff confirmed these reports 
so that my brother had no reason to doubt the absolute 
sincerity of those feelings. Gersdorff was on a very intimate 
footing at Wahnfried, and Wagner looked upon him as the 
only person to whom he could confide his thoughts about 
Nietzsche. This is shown in the following letter : 

Richard Wagner to Baron von Gersdorff. 

"My faithful friend: 

"You do me a great honor in regarding my opinion as 
of such vital importance to you in your decisions. I should 
be very well satisfied with myself, did I really think that 
I had exerted so great an influence upon you, as you carry 
out your resolves with such manliness, energy and per- 
sistence that I should like to be able to say that I had been 
of assistance to you. On the other hand, close contact with 
another friend seems to have only a confusing, in fact an 
injurious, effect. By this I do not mean solely our beloved 
Nietzsche, though I must confess that I cannot see how he 
would have been any happier had he never met me. Be that 

250 



Winter in Bayreuth (1875) 

as it may, he came across my path in a field of life that 
could easily have become a quagmire had we not been able to 
fly away at the right moment. You on the other hand, 
tread upon firm ground, bear fruit and introduce a stimu- 
lating current into our lives. Upon closer scrutiny, I be- 
lieve that I am nearly always stuck in the mire, but I affect 
not to notice it and this I attribute to my peculiar gifts. 
But best of all is my ability to make my dearest friends 
think that I am floating in the air, and this is your doing. 

"Therefore, good luck to your speedy and honorable 
discharge from Hohenheim. I can already picture you to 
myself on your carefully cultivated estates where all of us 
will be assembled for a rural festival, myself attired in Don 
Quixote's arcadian costume. 

"Things are going fairly well with us, in fact, the children 
are too well and positively rampageous. The devil will 
soon be to pay here, and then you must not fail us ! 

"Cordial greetings. 'You are my well-beloved friend, in 
whom I take great delight.' 

"That sounds like the dear God speaking. 

"Yours, 
"Bayreuth, May 31, 1875. Richard Wagner." 

"P.S. — In six days we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 
Nietzsche's first visit to Tribschen." 

I will add here a few words of explanation in regard to 
Gersdorff, who after the death of his two older brothers fell 
heir to entailed estates of his father. Hohenheim, alluded 
to in Wagner's letter, was an agricultural college where, 
by Wagner's advice, Gersdorff was taking a course of train- 

251 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

ing preparatory to assuming the active management of his 
properties. 

When I met my brother in Baden-Baden at Whitsuntide, 
1875, there was no end to our exchange of confidences and 
ideas in regard to Bayreuth. The big rehearsals for the 
Festival were to take place during the summer of 1875 and 
he was beside himself with joy in anticipation of this event. 
During the winter he had written me : "Are you not delighted 
that my summer vacation fits in so well with the Bayreuth 
rehearsals and festivities? To me, it seems nothing short 
of a miracle." But again fate intervened. Without any 
particular warning my brother fell very ill, and as it was 
his stomach this time that revolted, he was told by his 
physician that the hotel cuisine was responsible for these 
conditions and that he must set up his own menage where 
a prescribed diet could be followed. The doctor also for- 
bade my brother going to Bayreuth, as he deemed such an 
exertion far too strenuous both for his eyes and his general 
nervous system. Gersdorff was chosen as the friend to 
apprise Wagner of this fatal news, the letter in which my 
brother appointed him as his mediator, reading as follows: 
". . . Under these circumstances it has become imperative 
to establish my own home with the help of my sister. We 
have taken an apartment near the former one and expect 
to move in just after the summer vacation. In spite of 
everything, I have managed to keep up my studies and lec- 
tures, not allowing anything to interfere with these tasks 
except on the very worst days when I am forced to remain 
in bed. My plans for the summer depend upon the success 
of the cure I am now taking, but in any case, it will be some 
spa. I have great faith in this new domestic arrangement 

252 



Wmter in Bayreuth (1875) 

with my sister and we shall endeavor to live very systemat- 
ically. To prove to you that I have not entirely lost heart, 
I must tell you that I have just finished drawing up an 
outline for my university lectures for the next seven years. 
But life has many vexations, and aside from that, there is 
something so undignified about sicknesses of all sorts, as 
they cannot even be regarded as accidents. 

"Will you prepare the friends in Bayreuth for my not 
«oming in July? Wagner will be very much annoyed, but 
not any more than I shall be. . . ." 

I did not believe that it would be possible for my brother 
to remain away from Bayreuth, as he had been living for 
years in anticipation of this event and the friends had 
planned to have a reunion there. Gersdorff was also of my 
opinion, and my brother seriously considered disregarding 
the advice of his physician. With this in mind, he wrote 
to Gersdorff : "I am almost of your opinion in regard to 
Bayreuth. It simply will not do ; I could not endure to 
be the only one absent. Let us wait a little ! I shall surely 
be able to find some way out of the difficulty." 

It was also an inexpressible disappointment for me to 
give up the rehearsals, but after discussing all the pros and 
cons of the case, my brother came to the conclusion that it 
would be folly for him to attempt it. 

From Steinbad, near Bonndorf in the Black Forest of 
Baden, he wrote to Rohde : "Dear friend, all of you are as- 
sembled in Bayreuth today and I am the only one missing 
from our circle. My half-formed plan of appearing sud- 
denly in your midst one day, and refreshing my soul by the 
sight of my friends, has proven an impossibility. It can 
not be! I can say this today with conviction. I have just 

253 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

had a long conversation with Dr. Wiel about my condition, 
as I was kept in bed yesterday by a violent headache and 
during the afternoon and night had several spells of vomit- 
ing. The lesser trouble, dilation of the stomach, has 
yielded somewhat to the cure I have been taking for the 
past fortnight, but much more time will be required before 
any positive results will be seen in the nervous affection of 
my eyes. The only thing to be done is to observe the regime 
very strictly and have an infinite degree of patience. I had 
a few very good days, the weather was fresh and cool and 
I roamed around in the forests and mountains quite alone, 
but I cannot tell you how cheerful and agreeable it was. 
Nor would I dare to put into words all the hopes, plans, 
and possibilities upon the realization of which I have set 
my heart. Almost every day is made memorable by the 
receipt of dear, affectionate letters ; the thought that I 
belong to you and that you belong to me, beloved friends, 
always fills me with pride and emotion. If one only had a 
little happiness to impart! 

"That which causes me the greatest anxiety and im- 
patience is the thought of being absolutely good-for-nothing, 
and of being obliged to let things take their course, however 
pitiless that may be. And again, at other times, it seems to 
me as if I were a sort of lucky upstart who had escaped 
all the severest knocks and blows of fate. 

"I have not dwelt sufficiently on the stupidity and ma- 
liciousness of fate, and am not at all worthy to be classed 
among the host of the truly unfortunate. In other words, 
I am trying to say that after all, I have some happiness to 
give to others, if I only knew how. . . ." 

Poor Rohde was involved in a very unfortunate love affair 

254 



Winter in Bayreuth (1875) 

at this time, and took a more melancholy view of the situa- 
tion than was, perhaps, necessary. Knowing this, my 
brother was now prepared to share with his friend some 
part of his own good fortune. In this we find an unconscious 
admission that he had not been made inconsolable by his 
enforced absence from Bayreuth, but on the contrary, re- 
garded it as a sort of fortuitous escape from some disagree- 
able experience by which he was threatened. Other friends 
besides Rohde were also in trouble, until suddenly he gave 
his own case a serious examination and then wrote to Rohde : 
". . . Desperation on all sides ! and I am not desperate. 
And yet I am not in Bayreuth. Can you tell me how to 
construe this? I can find no explanation for it. And yet 
I am there in spirit at least three or four times every day 
and like a ghost my thoughts are continually hovering 
around Bayreuth. Tell me more about it, dear friend. 
You need have no fear of arousing desperate soul-longings. 
When I am out walking, I conduct long passages (all those 
that I know by heart) with my walking stick and sing the 
music as best I can. Remember me affectionately to the 
Wagners." 

My brother came back from Bonndorf in good spirits and 
enthusiastic about his new domestic arrangements. Gers- 
dorff and Rohde paid him a visit in the autumn and once 
more plans were made for a visit to Bayreuth and again 
frustrated. 

One day I said : "Fritz, you will not have been in Bayreuth 
once during 1875." He replied quickly: "But yon were 
there for a long time and so was Gersdorff. Besides all of 
the friends met there during the summer." 

255 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

"Oh, Fritz," I said, "do you honestly believe that all of 
us put together could take your place in Wagner's affec- 
tions?" "No," Fritz softly replied, "Nor can any one else 
take Wagner's place in my affections." 



256 



c 



CHAPTER XXII. 

"RICHARD WAGNER IN FAYREUTH." 
(1876) 

ORDIAL letters received from his friends in Bayreuth 
during the summer of 1875 again revived my broth- 
er's old love and admiration for Wagner and for 
the time being his severe criticism of Wagner's art was 
relegated to the background. By referring to my brother's 
notebook of that period, it would seem that the following 
aphorism was written only for his own private gratification: 
"I know of no other way by which I could have been 
vouchsafed the purest, serenest delight than through the 
Wagner music, and this, despite the fact that it by no means 
speaks always of happiness, but more often of uncanny 
subterranean forces, of human conduct, of suffering in the 
midst of happiness, and of the finiteness of all human happi- 
ness. The enchantment, therefore, that radiates from this 
music must lay in the manner in which it speaks to us. It is 
not difficult to realize what manner of man Wagner is and 
what his music means to him, if we consider the scenes, con- 
flicts and catastrophes in which he seems to take the keenest 
delight. No poetry in the world contains anything more 
beautiful than Wotan's relations to Siegfried, his love, the 
obligatory hostility and the joy in pure destruction. All 

257 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

of this is symbolical of Wagner's own nature: love for that 
by which one is redeemed, judged and annihilated, but the 
whole conceived in a truly god-like manner." 

Professor Holzer once said of this aphorism: "Wagner 
himself would have been god-like in his nature, had he been 
able to feel towards Nietzsche as Wotan did towards Sieg- 
fried. But between the lines of Wagner's and Cosima's 
letters one can read the paltry fear that Nietzsche could 
outgrow Wagner. He was always being metaphorically 
'ducked', and there is scarcely one of Cosima's letters in 
which she does not give some intimation that Nietzsche's 
real vocation should be to place himself completely in the 
service of Wagner's genius." 

This statement is exaggerated, but be it as it may, I can 
only state with the utmost confidence, that at no time during 
this period did my brother ever maintain that he bore the 
same relation to Wagner as Siegfried did to Wotan, nor that 
he was obliged to fight him in order to be absolutely loyal 
to him. On the contrary, he was never weary of recalling 
the sixteen years of inexpressible delight that Wagner's art 
had brought into his life, as well as the beatific hours of 
close friendship by which they were bound during the 
Tribschen period, and he always confessed how poverty- 
stricken his life would have been without the friendship and 
art of Richard Wagner. 

It was in this mood that he began to write his fourth 
"Thoughts Out of Season: Richard Wagner in Bat/reuth." 
This title was originally intended for the fifth "Thoughts," 
and "We PhiLologians," at that time practically finished 
but never carried to completion, was to be published as 
No. 4. 

258 



"Richard Wagner m Bayreuth" 

My brother worked on his Wagner essay from August 
until October, and the greater part of the manuscript was 
read aloud to me. Suddenly, he declared that he could 
proceed no further with the work, as it did not please him, 
and early in October, he wrote to Rohde: "My essay on 
Richard Wagner will remain unpublished. It is almost 
finished, but it falls so far short of the standard I have 
set for myself, as to possess no further value than that of 
a new orientation upon the most difficult point of all that 
which we have hitherto experienced. I do not stand suffi- 
ciently above the matter and I am conscious of the fact that 
I have not been entirely successful with this orientation, to 
say nothing of the correspondingly trifling value it could 
have for others." 

How dissatisfied he was with his preliminary work on his 
new "Thoughts" may be seen from the draft of a preface 
which he also read aloud to me and then tore into pieces, 
accompanying this act by all sorts of humorous and serious 
observations. After persistent search, this preface has 
been brought to light in one of my brother's notebooks : 

"There are, possibly, a few quite superficial persons who 
know nothing of Bayreuth and the idea associated with this 
name; and then there is a large class which claims to be 
initiated into this idea and is given to circulating false im- 
pressions of the same. But how colorless are even the 
sincere and splendid things that remain to be written about 
it as compared to the feelings of those who are candid 
enough to confess them, and on the other hand, how inar- 
ticulate must those others admit themselves to be, when 
glowing with the fire of this spirit, they attempt for the 
first time to speak to the world of their personal experiences. 

259 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

"I, myself, stand midway between those deficient in per- 
ception and the inarticulate class. To confess this is neither 
arrogant nor overly modest, but highly painful, but it is 
not necessary that anyone should know just why this is so. 
But just by reason of my middle position, a sense of duty 
compels me to speak and say certain things more distinctly 
than has hitherto been done in reference to these events. A 
feeling of necessity restrains me from giving concrete ex- 
pression to the various considerations by which I have been 
influenced. By employing a certain art of subterfuge, it 
would be a comparatively easy matter to convey the im- 
pression of having accomplished something complete and 
finished, but I prefer to remain honest and say that it has 
been impossible for me to do this any better than I have done 
here, however badly it may have been done." 

My brother was far too proud to publish anything with 
which he was not absolutely satisfied. Furthermore, he 
was occupied at that time, in extending and finishing off his 
magnificent work on "Greek Philosophy During tlie Tragic 
Age" and many other alluring vistas of activity were opened 
up to him during the summer of 1875. As we have already 
seen he was outlining literary work which would have suf- 
ficed to keep him employed for seven years. 

This renewed activity had again imposed a great strain 
upon his poor eyes, and as I have already said, he was the 
victim of a false diagnosis, as his stomach was believed to be 
the seat of all his disorders, whereas, the condition of that 
organ was directly the result of overstrained optic nerves. 
At the turn of the year (1875-76) my brother was in such a 
poor state of health that he was obliged to curtail his uni- 
versity work and finally, to go over to Lake Geneva for a 

260 



"Richard Wagner in Bayreuth" 

complete rest. Gersdorff accompanied him and he returned 
from this visit very much refreshed in body and mind. Now 
that so much was being said about the Bayreuth Festival, 
and definite plans were being made for our participation in 
this long-anticipated event, my brother felt that it would 
be impossible for him to keep silent any longer on this sub- 
ject. Gratitude for all the blissful hours and the untold 
inspiration that Wagner had brought into his life, impelled 
him to resume work on his unfinished "Thoughts Out of 
Season: Richard Wagner m Bayreuth." 

In the following letter, my brother enumerates very dis- 
tinctly everything he owed to Wagner and it may be easily 
imagined that Wagner's reply stimulated him to further 
effort, as Wagner granted him permission to "look on m 
his own way." 

Friedrich Nietzsche to Richard Wagner. 

"Basle, May 21, 1876. 

"Deeply revered man: 

"Only sentiments of the most intimate personal nature 
are in place on a day which has the distinction of being 
your birthday. Every one who has been brought in contact 
with you has had experiences which have affected him per- 
sonally, in his innermost being. Such experiences cannot be 
added up into one great total and were this possible, birth- 
day felicitations in the name of the many would signify less 
than the most modest wish of the one, 

"It is now nearly seven years since I paid my first visit to 
Tribschen and I know of nothing to say to you on your 
birthday more than this: since that time, I have regularly 

261 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

celebrated my spiritual rebirth in May of each year. Since 
that meeting, 3'ou ^ ve an( ^ work in me as unceasingly as a 
drop of blood, but one which, most assuredly, was not in my 
system previous to that time. This new element that had 
its origin in you, incites me, makes me ashamed, encourages 
me, spurs me on and gives me no rest, so that I should almost 
feel inclined to be vexed with you for thus disquieting me, 
did I not feel that it is just this feeling of unrest that impels 
me and will eventually make of me a freer and better man. 
For this reason I can only be most deeply grateful to the 
man who has stirred these feelings to life in me, and my dear- 
est wish for the approaching events of the summer is that 
you will have the same effect upon many others, who seized 
by this same feeling of unrest, will, thereby, be permitted 
to participate in the greatness of your character and your 
career. 

"My only birthday wish for you today is that this may 
come to pass, for where is any other happiness that I could 
wish you? I beg you to accept this wish in the most 
friendly spirit from the mouth of 

"Your very faithful, 

"Friedrich Nietzsche." 

Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"O friend: 

"Only get strong and well! The severest calamity that 
could have befallen us during all the seven years of which 
you write is that you were so often kept from us by so much 
outward 'dislocalitat' (give me the word, please!) and in- 
ward 'dyskolie' (Also good!). 

262 



"Richard Wagner in Bayreuth'* 

"Unfortunately, I have reached the point where I am only 
able to rescue myself from the quagmire of existence by call- 
ing good and bad jests to my aid. Yesterday we had an 
improvised banquet in the artists' restaurant near the 
theatre, and one of the guests proposed a toast to the effect 
that my reputation would be tremendously increased through 
the success of the Festival. I replied that I had found a 
hair in my reputation and was therefore ready to transfer 
this 'hide and hair' to Albert, the very competent manager 
of the restaurant. I stormed at my coachman because he 
did not congratulate me on this witticism ! Otherwise every- 
thing was very nice, chiefly because it was over with. The 
'enterprise,' on the whole, has cost me enough trouble and 
annoyance, and everyone connected with it fears me as he 
would the devil. 

"When all this is over, I hope to stretch myself out at 
full length — probably in Italy, where I have resolved to 
take my ease with wife and child and live on the receipts of 
my American march. 

"But for the present, on through thick and thin ! If I feel 
that you are looking on in your own way I shall know that 
the trouble has not been in vain. 'Natura nihil facit 
frustra,' said Schopenhauer to me recently and this was a 
comforting thought. 

"Remain full of courage and in good health and give our 
best greetings to the little sister. It will not be long before 
we shall see each other again. 

"It is something quite extraordinary for me to write so 
long a letter — as a usual thing, I only write telegrams. 

"Yours most sincerely, 
"Bayreuth, May 23, 1876. Richard Wagner." 

263 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

My brother at once set to work on his book, to which he 
added three closing chapters (Parts 9 to 11), written during 
a sojourn in Badenweiler. It came from the press about 
the end of June and was therefore ready to appear in good 
time for the Festival which was to open the middle of July. 

Strangely enough, my brother feared that the book would 
meet with Wagner's disapproval, and as a matter of fact, it 
contains many passages which reveal something of the con- 
tradictory feelings with which my brother was then 
struggling. But in my opinion, Wagner was too much ab- 
sorbed at the time to read carefully between the lines. 
Drafts of my brother's letter accompanying the author's 
copy of this book, and also that of his letter to Cosima, have 
happily been preserved, and I will first quote two passages 
from the rough copy not to be found in the final letters. I 
do this, because they show very distinctly my brother's state 
of mental agitation at the time these words were written: 

"It is as if I had once more put everything to the ven- 
ture. I implore you, let bygones be bygones, and vouch- 
safe your compassionate silence to one who has never spared 
himself. Read this essay as if it had nothing to do with 
you and as if I had not written it. As a matter of fact, 
my work should not be spoken of among the living, as it is 
only for the shades. 

". . . In looking back over a year filled with suffering, 
it seems to me as if all the really good hours had been spent 
in conceiving and working out this essay, and it is a matter 
of pride for me today to be able to produce the fruits borne 
during this period. This might not have been possible, not- 
withstanding the very best intentions on my part, had I not 

264 



"Richard Wagner in Bayreuth" 

been carrying around with me for the last fourteen years 
the thoughts of which I have now dared to speak . . ." 

Although the two letters which follow exist only in rough 
drafts, there is no reason for supposing that there is any 
deviation from the exact text of the letters finally dispatched 
by my brother to his friends in Bayreuth. 

Friedrich Nietzsche to Richard Wagner. 
(Original Draft.) 

"July, 1876. 

"Here, dearest master, is a sort of Bayreuth Festival 
sermon. It has been impossible for me to keep my mouth 
shut as there were certain things that I felt compelled to say. 
My pride and my confident hope is that I will thereby in- 
crease the joy of those who are now rejoicing. But how 
you, yourself, will take my confessions, it is impossible for 
me to surmise this time. 

"One of the disagreeable results of my literary habits is 
that each time I publish a work of any kind, some element 
in my personal relations is called into question, and it is 
only by an expenditure of humor that this can be set right 
again. I should not like to give articulate expression as to 
the degree in which I feel this quite particularly, today. I 
grow fairly dizzy with embarrassment when I consider what 
I have dared to do this time, and I appear to myself like the 
'Horseman on Lake Constance.' 

"In one of the very first letters you wrote me, however, 
you said something about your firm belief in German freedom 
of thought; and it is to this belief that I address myself 

%65 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

today. It is only by keeping this in mind that I have found 
the courage to do what I have done. 

"With a full heart, 
"Yours humbly, 

"Fe. N." 



Friedrich Nietzsche to Fran, Cosvma Wagner. 
(Original Draft. July, 1876.) 

". . . There is no need to assure you that the thoughts 
of all the friends of Bayreuth are now turned to you with 
sentiments of the greatest sympathy. Which one of us but 
wishes to prove in some way his deepest gratitude to you at 
the present moment? It is in this spirit that I crave your 
indulgence for the attempt I have made to give you some 
slight degree of pleasure, by sending you and the master two 
festival copies of my latest work. (Under the pressure of 
the heavy cares and burdens you are carrying you will have 
neither time nor inclination to read the same until the 
summer is past and gone.) 

"But you will see from this little work that I could no 
longer endure the thought of remaining in my remote soli- 
tude and preparing myself for the stupendous and over- 
whelming occurrences of the summer, without giving vent to 
my joy. My only hope is that here and there I have divined 
something of your joy and given expression to this along 
with my own. I can think of nothing more beautiful to 
wish for." 

Both Wagner and Frau Cosima replied immediately. 

266 



"Richard Wagner in Bayreuth" 
Richard Wagner to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

"Friend : 

"Your book is simply tremendous ! Where did you learn 
so much about me? Come to us soon and accustom yourself 
to the impressions by attending the rehearsals. 

"Yours, 

"R. W." 

Fraw Cosima to Friedrich Nietzsche. 

(Telegram.) 
"July 11, 1876. Prof. Nietzsche, 

"Schutzengraben 49, 
"Basle. 
"To you, dear friend, I now owe my sole refreshment of 
mind and elevation of spirit, aside from the powerful artistic 
impressions received here. May this serve to express my 
thanks. 

"Cosima." 



267 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



THE BAYREUTH FESTIVAL. 



(1876) 

UPON receiving these words of warm commendation 
from Wagner and Frau Cosima, my brother began to 
make the most enthusiastic preparations for going 
to Bayreuth. We see from his private correspondence that 
his doubts had been completely banished and he hoped to 
fall under the old spell in listening to Wagner's music. 
For example, he writes : ". . . I could wish for such a degree 
of rhythmic, visualizing endowment as would enable me to 
survey the Nibelung work in its entirety, as I have, at times, 
succeeded in doing with the single dramas. But here I an- 
ticipate rhythmical delights of a very special kind and de- 
gree. For instance: the scene of Siegfried and the 
Rhine Maidens in the second act of the last drama ; the scene 
between Alberich and the Rhine Maidens in the first act of 
the first drama ; the love rhapsodies of Siegfried and Brunn- 
hilde upon finding each other in the last act of 'Siegfried'; 
the parting rhapsodies of the lovers in the first act of 
'Gotterctiimmerimg' : the scene of the Nornes at the begin- 
ning of the first act (Vorspiel) of the 'Gdtterdamjnerwng' 
and so on." 

It was with anticipations of this nature that Nietzsche 

268 



The Bayreuth Festival 

set out for the Bayreuth Festival, devoutly hoping for new 
revelations by which he would be brought more closely to 
Wagner's art. 

I wish that a benign fate had kept my brother away from 
Bayreuth so that he might have clung a little longer to the 
belief that he was to find there the fulfillment of his most 
beautiful dreams. In a few words he expresses his feel- 
ings : "I made the mistake of going to Bayreuth with an 
ideal in my breast, and was, therefore, doomed to suffer the 
most bitter disappointment. The preponderance of strong 
spices, the ugly and the grotesque thoroughly repelled me." 

I shall not attempt to describe here the external happen- 
ings of the Festival of 1876, as these have been told else- 
where, and in any case, it was not these tragi-comical oc- 
currences, having no direct bearing upon the performance 
that so disheartened my brother, but the inner conflicts 
which arose between Wagner and himself and between the 
art-works and the audiences. 

First of all we must ask ourselves the question : What did 
Nietzsche expect from Bayreuth both for himself and for 
other like-minded natures? No better answer could be 
found to this question than a passage from his fourth 
"Thoughts Out of Season" : 

"Bayreuth signifies for us the morning sacrament on the 
day of battle. No greater injustice could be done us than 
to suppose that it is only the art of the thing we are con- 
cerned about, as if this art was to be looked upon merely 
as a means of healing or stupefying us and thus ridding our 
consciousness of all the misery about us. In this tragic art- 
work at Bayreuth we see rather the struggle of the in- 
dividual against everything which seems to bar his paj.h. — 

269 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

against irresistible necessity, power, law, tradition, conduct, 
and the entire established order of the universe. 

"There can be no more beautiful life for the individual 
than to hold himself ready to sacrifice himself and to die in 
the fight for love and justice. The look vouchsafed us from 
the mysterious eye of tragedy neither lulls nor paralyzes. 
Nevertheless, she demands tranquillity so long as her gaze is 
fastened upon us, for art does not serve the purposes of 
war, but is merely for the rest pauses before and in the 
midst of the conflict and for those moments — when looking 
back and yet dreaming of the future — we seem to under- 
stand all that is symbolical, and experience the same feeling 
of relaxation as that resulting from a refreshing dream. 
Day dawns, and the fighting begins ; the sacred shadows dis- 
appear and art seems very remote, but her sweet ministra- 
tions hover ever over the fighter." 

As will be seen, my brother made the mistake of expecting 
to find only kindred spirits assembled in Bayreuth, all look- 
ing forward to the Festival as something by which their 
entire life was to be consecrated. That such a unique 
audience was possible had been proven at the ceremonies 
of the laying of the cornerstone in 1872. On that occasion, 
the elect of Europe had come together, all of them idealists 
who had been working for years for the success of the Bay- 
reuth idea and now stood on the threshold of the consumma- 
tion of that idea. To them Wagner could say, as the cor- 
nerstone was being lowered into the ground: "May this 
building be consecrated by the spirit which inspired you to 
listen to my appeal, and gave you courage to have the 
fullest confidence in me and my undertaking, despite the pre- 
vailing scepticism; by the spirit which could speak directly 

270 



The Bayreuth Festival 

to you because it found a response in your own hearts ; and 
by the German spirit which shouts a youthful morning 
greeting to you across the centuries." 

Of this earlier body of listeners my brother had written: 

"In Bayreuth, the spectators themselves are worthy of 
being seen. A wise, contemplative sage passing from one 
century to another for the purpose of comparing the cul- 
tural movements, would most assuredly find much to interest 
him here. His sensations would be those of a swimmer who 
suddenly comes upon an unexpected warm current of an 
entirely different temperature from the surrounding water, 
and he would say to himself that this current must have its 
origin in other and deeper sources. Just so, all those par- 
ticipating in the coming Bayreuth Festival will be regarded 
as men born out of season, whose explanation must be sought 
for elsewhere than here and now." 

My brother failed to take into consideration the widely 
differing conditions existing at the preliminary festival of 
1872. At this earlier event, the participants were all invited 
guests known to Wagner and his co-workers as persons of 
like ideals and aspirations. On the other hand, any one 
able to pay the sum of 900 marks for the twelve perform- 
ances was free to come in 1876, and the result was that 
Bayreuth became the rendezvous of the customary "first 
night" audiences from the larger centers, for the most part 
people who came to be seen and boast of having been present. 

Thus it was not the rare souls of 1872 who gave the cachet 
to the Festival of 1876, but this new and objectionable ele- 
ment, and unfortunately, this was not only true on the Festi- 
val hill, but also at Wahnfried, where my brother came in 
contact with people who had not the vaguest idea of the 

271 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

ideals lying at the bottom of the undertaking. In fact, it 
almost seemed as if these ideals had been lost sight of by 
the chief personages concerned, which explains the bitter 
words my brother wrote later: "It was not only that I then 
became convinced of the illusory character of Wagner's 
ideals, but above all, I saw and felt that even those most 
closely concerned with the success of the undertaking, no 
longer regarded the 'ideal' as paramount, but laid chief 
stress upon quite other things. Added to this, was the tire- 
some company of 'Patrons,' both men and women, all very 
much enamored with each other, all very much bored and all 
unmusical to the point of nauseation !" 

It seemed as if the entire leisure rabble of Europe had 
met here and everyone was free to go in and out of Wagner's 
own house as if the entire Bayreuth undertaking was some 
new and fascinating sort of sport. And as a matter of fact, 
it was scarcely anything more. This class of rich idlers had 
found a new pretext for idling, this time "grand opera" 
with obstacles, and Wagner's music, by reason of its con- 
cealed sexuality, was found to form a new bond for a social 
class in which everyone was bent upon following his or her 
own plaisirs. 

I do not mean to say that there were not many refined, 
highly intelligent persons present, but they were entirely lost 
sight of in the flashing brilliancy of this world of elegant 
toilettes and splendid jewels. Only once did I have the 
feeling that among the Bayreuth visitors were to be found 
people quite differently constituted from the customary 
hydra-headed public. One morning I went to make a call 
at Wahnfried and was waiting in the small reception room, 
as the large hall was crowded with visitors. I looked in and 

272 



The Bayreuth Festival 

saw about forty persons, conductors, young artists and 
authors who were waiting for an audience with Wagner. 
(Owing to the rush of visitors, Wagner was obliged to hold 
these audiences, en masse. On the opening day of the Festi- 
val, alone, five hundred cards were left at Wahnfried.) 
While waiting for the servant to announce me, I had an 
opportunity of observing these interesting artist heads and 
fine intellectual faces ; the older men spoke together in sub- 
dued tones and the younger ones listened with a beautiful 
expression of reverence on their eager young faces. "The 
Ring of the Nibelung" should have been performed before an 
audience of genuinely artistic people and the right of free 
discussion should have been granted the listeners at the close 
of the performance. How much greater would thereby have 
been the influence exerted by Bayreuth upon the develop- 
ment of art. I do not mean to say that this audience should 
have consisted solely of fascinated young Wagnerites as 
not much could have been learned from persons too carefully 
trained in partisanship, despite the fact that, at one time, 
Wagner and my brother regarded such persons as the "ideal 
type of listener." The incurable Wagnerites, for the most 
part members of the various branches of the Wagner 
Society, were to be found assembled every evening in Anger- 
niann's tap-room. But these were not the most delectable 
type of visitors, as they beat upon the table with their fists, 
raised their beer glasses threateningly on high and were 
ready to engage in a hand to hand fight with any one who 
presumed to express a thought that could be regarded as the 
slightest deflection from the strict Wagnerian code. Wag- 
nerites of this kind seemed to my brother to be a parody on 
themselves. 

273 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

It is not difficult to imagine how this "human, all-too- 
human" reality affected my brother. Moreover fate had 
willed that his two most intimate friends, Gersdorff and 
Rohde, were both involved in love affairs which, as every one 
will agree, not only makes the best of men unbearable, but 
also utterly indifferent to things otherwise regarded by them 
as being of the highest importance. 

My brother was thus compelled to lock up in his own 
breast his most intimate thoughts and feelings. He wrapped 
himself in that deep pythagorean silence to which he had 
admonished his readers in his fourth "Thoughts Out of 
Season" and wandered around like a man in a dream. Many 
years later he wrote of this : "Any one who had the faintest 
idea of the visions which even at that time had flitted across 
my path will be able to judge of my feelings when one day I 
suddenly came to my senses in Bayreuth. It was just as if 
I had been dreaming. . . . Where was I? Nothing seemed 
familiar to me, not even Wagner himself. It was in vain 
that I turned the leaves of memory ! Tribschen — remote 
isle of bliss ; not a shadow of resemblance ! The never-to-be- 
forgotten days of the cornerstone laying ; the small company 
of the elect which participated in this event, all of them 
persons far from lacking fingers for the handling of delicate 
things ; not a shadow of resemblance !" 

I recall one evening when we had given our seats to rela- 
tives as the performances had proven so exhausting to my 
brother. Our guests had taken leave of us and the streets 
were filled with the noisy crowds on their way to the Festival 
Theatre. Carriages rattled by on their way up the hill, 
returning in a slower tempo, until at last an almost uncanny 
silence spread over the little city. We discussed a mul- 

274 



The Bayreuth Festival 

titude of things that lay remote from our real thoughts, 
until I finally ventured to say: "How strange that we two 
should be sitting here alone on the evening of a festival 
performance!" With a peculiar intonation, my brother 
replied: "This is the first really happy hour I have had 
since I came." I knew that he was deeply moved but could 
not trust himself to put his feelings into words. 

Nothing was more painful to him than to be obliged to 
discuss his latest work: "Richard Wagner m Bayrewth." 
One day a very discerning woman said to me: "Tell me, 
why does your brother avoid all mention of his last work?" 
When I repeated this to him, he said with some passion: 
"Why can not people let these old stories rest?" to which 
remark I gave the astonished answer: "But Fritz, the work 
only appeared five weeks ago." "It seems five years to me!" 
was his only reply. 

Somewhat later, he made a careful comparison between 
the two works "Schopenhauer as Educator" and "Richard 
Wagner in Bayrewth," and discovered to his great joy that 
the third "Thoughts Out of Season" represented the first 
step towards his own emancipation. . . . "The Schopen- 
hauerian man drove me to scepticism towards everything I 
had previously respected, cherished and defended (even 
towards the Greeks, Schopenhauer and Wagner) ; towards 
genius, sacred things, the pessimism of knowledge. By^ this 
devious route, I came out on the heights where fresh winds 
were blowing. My work on Bayreuth represented a pause, 
a falling back a breathing spell. Here for the first time I 
realized that Bayreuth was no longer indispensable — to me." 

Bayreuth was no longer necessary for him ! It will not be 
an easy matter for the world of today to realize what this 

275 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

meant to my brother. But far greater than the disappoint- 
ment he felt in the festival audiences was that created by the 
art-work itself. He sensed nothing of the long-anticipated 
revelations nor of the irresistible fascination of the Wagner 
music, but only the depressing confirmation and justification 
of all his inner doubts and scruples. But I shall here let my 
brother speak for himself by quoting a series of observations 
he made later upon Wagner's art as expressed in the "Ring 
of the Nibelimg." 

"This music is addressed to inartistic persons ; all possible 
means are employed by which an effect can be created. It 
is not an artistic effect that is achieved, but one operating 
solely upon the nerves. 

"Wagner has no genuine confidence in music, in order to 
invest it with the quality of greatness, he calls to his aid 
related emotions. He tunes himself to the key of others, and 
first gives his listeners an intoxicating drink in order to 
make them believe that they have been intoxicated by the 
music itself. 

"His soul does not sing, it speaks, but always in highly 
impassioned accents. Naturally, tone, rhythm and gesture 
are primary essentials to him ; the music, on the other hand, 
is never quite natural, but is a sort of acquired language, 
with only a limited vocabulary and a different syntax. - 

"Just listen to the second act of the 'Gotterdammerung' 
detached from the drama. It is inarticulate music, as wild as 
a bad dream, and terrifyingly distinct, just as if it were 
trying to make itself heard by deaf people. This volubility 
with nothing to say is distressing. The drama comes as 
genuine relief. Can it be interpreted as praise to say that 
this music is only intolerable when heard alone (with the 

276 



The Bayreuth Festival 

exception of intentionally isolated passages) ? Suffice it to 
say that this music when detached from the drama is a per- 
petual contradiction of the highest laws of style governing 
the earlier music, and he who becomes thoroughly accus- 
tomed to it, loses all feeling for these earlier laws. But has 
the drama, on the other hand, gained anything from this ad- 
junct? It is true that a symbolical interpretation has been 
added, a sort of philological commentary, by which re- 
straint has been placed upon the inner, free fantasy of the 
imagination — it is tyrannical ! Music is the language of the 
explicator, who, however, talks all the time and gives us no 
breathing spell. Moreover, he uses a language so compli- 
cated that it, in turn, demands an explanation. He who has 
mastered, step by step, the drama (the language!), then 
transformed this into action, then studied out the symbolism 
of the music until he has gained a perfect understanding of 
its intricacies — will then be prepared for enjoyment of an 
uncommon character. But what an exacting task! It is 
quite impossible to do this, save for a few moments at a 
time, simply because this ten-fold intensive application of 
the eye, ear, intellect, and feeling — the highest activity of 
all the senses, without a corresponding productive re-action 
— is far too exhausting! 

". . . Only a very few are capable of such application. 
How then shall we explain the effect that this music has upon 
so great a number? Simply because they give it only inter- 
mittent attention — that is to say, they are unreceptive for 
whole passages at a stretch, listening now to the music, now 
to the drama, or watching the progress of the stage action — 
in short, they are dissecting the work. 

"But by so doing, the type we are discussing is destroyed ; 

277 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

not the drama, but merely a moment of it is the result — 
or an arbitrary selection. It is just here that the creator 
of a new genre should be on his guard; the arts should not 
always be served up together, but he should imitate the 
moderation of the ancients which is truer to human nature. 

"The length of the work is at variance with the violence 
of the emotions aroused. This is a point upon which the 
author himself can not be considered an authority: having 
taken a long time in the construction of his work, he has 
gradually accustomed himself to its length. It is quite 
impossible for him to put himself in the place of the recep- 
tive listener. Schiller made the same mistake, and the 
pruning-knife had also to be used on the works of the earlier 
classicists. 

"Apparently, Wagner wishes to create an art for all, 
which explains his employment of coarse and refined means. 
And yet he was bound by certain laws of musical aesthetics, 
namely by moral indifference. 

"Wagner's Nibelung cycle, strictly speaking, are dramas 
to be read with the aid of the inner fantasy. High art genre, 
as it was with the early Greeks. 

"Epic motives for the inner fantasy: many scenes, for 
example, the dragon and Wotan — lose very much in effect 
when visualized. 

"We have no point of contact with wild animals display- 
ing sudden paroxysms of sublimated tenderness and wisdom. 
Think of Philoctetes, by way of contrast. 

"Wotan, in a rage of disgust : let the world go to pieces. 
Briinhilde loves : let the world go to pieces. Siegfried loves : 
why bother himself about the means of subterfuge. (Wotan 
like-minded.) How it all disgusts me. 

278 



The Bayreuth Festival 

"Certain tones of an incredible realism, I hope never to 
hear again; if I were only able to forget them (Materna). 

"Wagner has made the dangers of realism, very acute. 
An effort to employ the terrifying, the intoxicating, etc., for 
its own sake. But there is an undeniable wealth of material. 

"Paroxysms of beauty: scene of the Rhine Maidens, flick- 
ering lights, exuberance of coloring, like the autumnal sun; 
nature in her varying phases — glowing reds, purples, melan- 
choly yellows and greens, all running into each other. 

"I utterly disagree with those who were dissatisfied with 
the declarations and stage machinery at Bayreuth. On the 
contrary, far too much industry and ingenuity was applied 
in captivating the senses, and expended upon material which 
did not belie its epic origin. But the naturalism of the atti- 
tudes, of the singing compared to the orchestra. What far- 
fetched, artificial, and depraved tones were to be heard 
there. What a travesty upon nature. 

"Several ways are open to musical evolution (or were 
open, before Wagner's influence made itself felt) : one of 
these was an organic creation in the form of a symphony 
with a drama as pendant (or mimicry without words?) ; 
and then absolute music, to which the laws of this organic 
creation were applied, and using Wagner only as a stepping- 
stone — a preparation. Or again, to out-Wagner Wagner, 
dramatic choral music. Dithyrambic music. Effect of 
unison. . . . 

"The trend of evolution has been disastrously interrupted 
by Wagner, and the path cannot be regained. I had visions 
of a drama over-spread with a symphony. A form growing 
out of the Lied. But the alien appeal of the opera drew 

279 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

Wagner irresistibly in this other direction. All possible 
resources of art here brought to the highest climax. 

"We are witnessing the death agony of the last great art : 
Bayreuth has convinced me of this." 

It must not be forgotten that all this criticism was directed 
against the Nibelung Tetraology and its author, and not 
against Tristan and its creator. At that time, Tristan had 
practically been relegated to the background, or made the 
object of scathing criticism by some of the most fanatic 
Wagnerians. Even in Wahnfried, Tristan was seldom 
mentioned, and due courtesy and respect was also with- 
held from that noble woman, Madame Mathilde Wesen- 
donck, who, as all the world knows, was the direct inspiration 
of the work. Had Tristan been the work chosen for per- 
formance at the first festival, it is quite certain that my 
brother's criticisms would have been of quite a different 
character and his disappointment by no means so keen. 

Having gone this far, we may as well go still further and 
ask: Was Wagner, himself, a disappintment for my brother? 
He has given us the answer to this question : "I no longer 
recognized Wagner, or rather I realized that I had been 
cherishing in my mind an ideal portrait of the Wagner I 
thought I knew." Mournfully, he wrote in his notebook: 
"I must bear the fate of all idealists, who see the object of 
their adoration tumbling from its pedestal. Ideal monster: 
the real Wagner shrinks away to nothing. 

"My mistaken estimate of Wagner has not even the merits 
of individuality, as there are many others who have said 
that my picture is a correct one. One of the outstanding 
characteristics of such natures is their stupendous ability of 

280 



The Bayreuth Festival 

deceiving the painter and we are apt to commit an error of 
justice as much by our goodwill as by our ill will." 

From the writings of a Frenchman, M. Ed. Schure, we 
may get an idea of Wagner as he appeared at that time to 
his other admirers. "Wagner, a youthful Wotan despite his 
sixty-three years, enjoyed the legitimate triumph of having 
created a new world and set in operation a colossal enter- 
prise in which he was called upon to manipulate thirty-five 
principals, including gods, goddesses, dwarfs, nymphs, men 
and women, to say nothing of the chorus, the stage 
machinery, and the orchestra. 

"During the brief hours of respite snatched from this 
herculean task, he gave free rein to his buoyant gayety, to 
that exuberance of wit and humor which was like the foam of 
his genius. Before being able to transmit his spirit and his 
thoughts into these creatures of flesh and blood, he was 
obliged to turn actor and stage manager, and by no means 
the least formidable part of this task was the endeavor to 
preserve the amour propre of his ensemble and to maintain 
an equilibrium of the passions and rivalries of his regiment 
of actors and actresses. 

"Ever a subtle charmer and subduer of the fair sex, he 
always gained his point by employing a judicious admixture 
of violence and caresses, and never once lost sight of his 
goal whether indulging in outbursts of choleric temper or 
sincere emotions. Living thus in the midst of the whirlwind 
which he had conjured up and was now called upon to reduce 
to a system, he was unable to give but a divided attention to 
his disciples and admirers. 

"Confronted by the prodigious artistic deeds accom- 
plished under our very eyes every day, none of us took this 

281 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

to heart, thank God ! but only experienced the same feeling 
of astonishment that Mime must have had in the presence of 
Siegfried when the latter was re-forging the sword broken 
into pieces by his father, after having first reduced it to 
filings and cast it into the crucible. 

"Did Nietzsche's pride, perhaps, not suffer from being 
thus treated like an inferior? Were not his acute sensibili- 
ties often wounded by certain familiarities and rudenesses on 
the part of Wagner?" 

The closing sentence in these observations is approxi- 
mately correct, as my brother was not particularly fond of 
Wagner's witticisms, a fact thoroughly recognized by Wag- 
ner, who once said: "Your brother is exactly like Liszt in 
not enjoying my jokes." But aside from this, M. Schure 
was mistaken in regard to my brother, as he was not suffi- 
ciently familiar with Nietzsche's relations to Wagner to be 
able to judge and observe correctly. For example, M. 
Schure is absolutely in the wrong when he says that Wagner 
neglected my brother. The latter had never the slightest 
cause to feel offended, and as a matter of fact, Wagner 
seemed eager to single him out and to do honor to him on 
every possible occasion. It was my brother who endeavored 
to ward off these noisy demonstrations, as Wagner's 
boisterous praise was extremely distasteful to him. More- 
over, both of them felt that something unexpressed lay 
between them and there were none of those deep and great 
moments together which might have bound my brother anew 
to Wagner. Was not such a moment once very near? I 
remember quite well that we walked out to Wahnfried one 
morning and met the master in the garden on the point of 
going out. I cannot recall just what Wagner said, but I 

282 



The Bayreuth Festival 

remember that my brother's eyes suddenly lighted up and he 
fairly hung on the master's words with an expression of the 
most tense expectation. 

Did he think that Wagner would say: "Oh friend, the 
entire festival is nothing more than a farce! it is not in the 
least what we both have dreamed for and longed for. My 
music also should have been quite different ; I now see this 
and I will return to melody and simplicity." 

Did my brother cherish the false hope that Wagner would 
say something of this kind? If his opening remarks gave rise 
to this hope, it was soon dispelled by the further conver- 
sation. The light died out of my brother's eyes, as he saw 
and felt that Wagner was no longer young enough to take 
sides against himself. 

I shall never be able to convince myself that Wagner, in 
his innermost soul, was really satisfied with the Bayreuth 
Festival. He only made a pretense of being satisfied. He 
could not have entirely forgotten the picture he had drawn 
of the festival while he was still living in Tribschen. Some 
of these idealistic plans had been noted down by my brother : 

"Future of the Bayreuth Summer. Union of all really 
creative persons ; artists to come with their art creations, 
authors to produce their new works, reformers to present 
their new ideas. It will be a universal soul-bath and a new 
realm of untold blessing will be revealed there." 

One can see from these notes what marvellous visions 
floated before my brother and I honestly confess that it is 
one of my dearest and most profound wishes to see estab- 
lished here in Weimar such a festival of great souls. I am 

283 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

waiting for some one to come to me with such plans, as I am 
not in a position to carry them out in the same sense which 
my brother had in mind. I am growing old and have neither 
the means nor the physical strength for such an undertaking. 
But it is my dearest wish that the time may come when the 
Nietzsche Foundation may be able to carry into fulfillment 
my brother's vision of the future. 

After the first rehearsals, my brother left Bayreuth, or 
it would be nearer the truth to say that he fled to Klingen- 
brunn in the Bohemian Forest, there to write down these 
harsh verdicts. He returned in time for the first cycle — on 
my account, he said — but if the truth were told because 
he wished to confirm his impressions and convince himself 
that his judgment was a final one. But the strain upon his 
nerves became so unendurable, that before the close of the 
Festival, he took his departure from the old Franconian 
town which had been the scene of so many heart-breaking 
experiences. 

"Ah, Lisbeth, and that was Bayreuth!" he said to me as 
he bade me good-bye. His eyes were filled with tears,, 



284 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

END OF THE FRIENDSHIP. 

(1876-1878.) 

THUS my brother bade farewell to that which the world 
today calls "Bayreuth." When he set out for the 
Festival, there floated before his mind's eye a vision 
of an event in which the art-works presented and the 
listeners of these works would be equally worthy and ad- 
mirable. But now all that he had to look back upon was a 
festival bearing a strong resemblance to the clamor of a 
Rhenish Music Festival, or the excitement prevailing at the 
famous Baden-Baden races. And it was for this that he 
had fought and made soul-wasting propaganda for years ! 
He was seized with a fit of impatience at his own blindness 
and he longed to be free from outside influences, in order 
that he might gradually come to his senses and be able to 
follow his own tastes and inclinations. The period of youth- 
ful enthusiasm was over and he had no more time to waste 
on such extravagances. 

Not only had he been disappointed by the musical side of 
the Festival, but his ethical and aesthetic taste had also been 
offended. His very soul had been nauseated by the Wag- 
nerian operatic figures with their "erotic obsessions," by 
the "re-modelling of the Edda myth, by the aid of the per- 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

verse traits of French romance" (for example, Siegfried's 
origin) , and by the sultry sensuality which lies at the bottom 
of all the Wagner music. He longed again for healthy, virile, 
well-balanced sentiments held in check by joy, pride and the 
pleasure in being moderate, just as the fiery steed is reined 
in by the powerful rider who takes pleasure in his task. He 
longed for music full of happiness, pride, high spirits, 
limpidezza, gigantic power, and yet held well within bounds 
by the highest laws of style. He had expected music of 
this kind from the Wagner who had created the figure of 
Siegfried, but this was not the music he found in Bayreuth. 

Furthermore, my brother's health had suffered greatly 
from his stay in Bayreuth, and the oculist in Basle, who by 
this time, had been able to form a clearer idea of my brother's 
troubles, reproached himself severely for not having pro- 
tested more vigorously against my brother's participation 
in the festival. A severe strain had been imposed upon his 
eyes by being required to look at the stage so intently, as 
well as by his diligent reading of the score. As my mother 
insisted that I return home upon leaving Bayreuth, my 
brother was obliged to get along without me, but as the 
doctor had commanded an entire rest from reading and 
writing, he was looked after and assisted in his work by Dr. 
Paul Ree and the musician, Heinrich Koselitz. Ree read 
aloud to him and Koselitz took down his dictations ; in fact, 
it was to this friend that my brother dictated the sentences 
noted down during his stay in Klingenbrunn and afterwards 
incorporated in his "Human, all-too-Human" 

Wagner seems to have sensed nothing of my brother's 
changed feelings, but appealed to him by wire to make some 
purchases for him in Basle, there being certain articles which 

286 



End of the Friendship 

he fancied only that city could furnish in the desired quality. 
My brother's feelings upon receiving 1 these commissions are 
expressed in the following letter: 

Friedrich Nietzsche to Richard Wagner. 

"Highly revered friend: 

"You have made me very happy by the commission you 
intrusted to me as it reminds me of the dear old days at 
Tribschen. At present, I have a great deal of time to devote 
to thoughts of the past, the remote as well as the immediate, 
as I am kept in a darkened room by an atropin cure found 
necessary upon my return. This autumn, following upon 
this summer, is more of an autumn for me than ever before, 
and I do not doubt that this is the case with many others. 
Back of the great events, lies a streak of the blackest melan- 
choly, and there seems to be no other way of rescuing one's 
self from this but by starting for Italy or by plunging into 
creative work — perhaps by combining the two. 

"When I picture you to myself in Italy, I always remember 
that it was there that you found the inspiration for the 
beginning of the 'Rheingold' music. May it ever remain the 
land of beginnings for you ! There you will be rid of the 
Germans for a time, and this seems to be necessary now and 
again, if one hopes to be able to do anything to help them. 

"Possibly you have heard that I am starting for Italy 
next month, but in my case it is not to be a land of begin- 
nings, but one where I shall end my sufferings. These have 
again reached a climax and it is the highest time for me 
to take this step. My school board knows full well what it is 
about in granting me a year's leave of absence, despite the 

287 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

sacrifice thereby entailed upon this little community. But 
had they not seen fit to open up this alternative to me, I 
should have been lost to them in an entirely different way. 
Thanks to my long-suffering disposition, I have clinched my 
teeth and endured agony upon agony during the last few 
years, and at times it seems as if I had been born into the 
world for this and nothing else. I have paid tribute in the 
fullest measure to the philosophy that teaches this long- 
suffering. My neuralgia goes to work as thoroughly and 
scientifically as if it were trying to probe and find out just 
what degree of pain I am able to endure, and thirty hours is 
required for each of these tests. I must count on a repetition 
of this research work every four or eight days, so you can 
see that, at least, I have the malady of a scholar. . . . But 
now the time has come when I can no longer endure it, and 
either I wish to live on in good health or not at all ! 

"A complete rest, mild air, long walks, darkened rooms — 
all this I expect to find in Italy. I shudder at the thought 
of being obliged to see or hear anything while I am there. 
Please do not think that I am morose ; it is not sickness but 
only human beings who are able to put me in a bad humor, 
and yet I am constantly surrounded by the most helpful and 
considerate of friends. 

"At first I had the moralist, Dr. Paul Ree, and now I 
have the musician Koselitz, who is writing this letter at my 
dictation. I must not forget Frau Baumgartner in enumer- 
ating my good friends, and possibly you will be interested 
to hear that a French translation of my last work 
(R. W. i. B.) from her hand, will go to press next month. 

"Did the spirit descend upon me, I would put my good 
wishes for your journey into verse, but this stork has not 

288 



End of the Friendship 

built his nest in my neighbourhood of late, an oversight for 
which he may be pardoned. Therefore, please accept my 
heartfelt wishes as they are and may they ever abide with 
you — with you and your revered wife, 'my most noble friend,' 
to make use of one of the most unpermissible Germanisms of 
the Jew Bernay. 

"As ever faithfully yours, 
"Basle, Sept. 27, 1876. Friedrich Nietzsche." 

It is plain to be seen from this letter that my brother 
had not taken an eternal farewell from Wagner himself, 
even though he had renounced his art as presented in Bay- 
reuth. The leave of absence to which my brother refers in 
his letter was about to begin, and he endeavored to forget 
all else and occup} 7 himself with his preparations. But when- 
ever this subject was referred to in later years, my brother 
always confessed how infinitely sad was the period that 
elapsed between his Bayreuth experiences and his visit to 
Italy. During this interim period he lived in Overbeck's old 
chambre garni with his former landlady, Frau Baumann, in 
the so-called "Baumann's Cave" where he had lived for six 
years. He often declared that during this time, he was "as 
melancholy as were ever the old cave-dwellers," but in reality, 
the house was light and cheerful and aside from its arbitrary 
name, had nothing in common with a cave. 

When Dr. Ree saw that he could be of great service to my 
brother in the way of saving his eyes, he offered to accom- 
pany him to Italy, a plan which met with the approval of 
our old friend, Fraulein von Meysenburg, who was going to 
look after my brother and had made all the arrangements 
for his stay in Sorrento. He started for Italy on the first 

289 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

day of October, 1876, stopping on the way at Bex in the 
Savoy Alps, from which place he wrote to me : 
"Dear sister: 

"It is the day before my departure. The Fohn is blow- 
ing from the south and I can hardly believe that I shall be 
as well off in Italy as I am here. Bex was an excellent 
choice; to be sure, there has been no marked improvement, 
and yet the last attack (day before yesterday) did not last 
as long as usual (possibly owing to a new salve Schiess pre- 
scribed to be rubbed on my temples). I also have a slight 
cold. My heartfelt thanks for all your good wishes. By 
the way, the fifth 'Thoughts Out of Season* is finished and I 
only need some one to whom I can dictate it." 

This fifth "Thoughts" was never finished and the material 
collected for the preliminary work was incorporated in 
"Human, all-too-Human" My brother arrived in Sorrento 
the end of October and was enchanted with the place. He 
was obliged to make his letters very brief, but verbally he 
could not say enough of the magic influence of the south and 
particularly of the Bay of Naples. A touching description 
of impressions received here is given in the following 
aphorism : 

"I have not sufficient .strength for the north. Sluggish 
and superficial souls predominate there who labor as con- 
sistently and urgently upon precautionary measures as the 
beaver on his house. I passed my entire youth among these 
people, and this came over me anew as I watched evening 
fall over the Bay of Naples for the first time, tinging the 
heavens with tones of velvety gray and red. Thou couldst 
have died without having been permitted to see this, I cried ! 
I shuddered and was sorry for myself at having begun my 

290 



End of the Friendship 

life by being old, and I shed tears at the thought that I 
had been saved at the last moment. I have intellect sufficient 
for the south!" 

When he attempted to describe the happiness and the 
radiance of the south, his words became music. Listen to 
the following strophes: 

"The Midland sea lies in white sleep 
Save for a single purple sail. 
Cliff, fig-tree, tower and harbor keep 
Their pagan innocence ; the sheep 
Bleat in this peace that does not fail. 

"Weary of the stark North was I 
And of its slow, methodic tread. 
I bade the wind lift me on high 
And learned with all the birds to fly 
And southward over ocean sped." 

From this time forth, the south was ever his refuge from 
the heavy air of the north, but although he made many 
visits to Italy, he always remembered with peculiar affection 
this first sojourn on the shores of the Bay of Naples. As 
late as 1887, he wrote to Fraulein von Meysenburg: "I have 
retained a sort of longing not unmixed with superstition for 
the quiet sojourn down there. It seemed to me as if I were 
able to breathe more freely, even if only for a few seconds, 
than at any other time and place during my entire life. For 
instance, when we took our very first drive out to Posillippi." 

But this paradise of Sorrento was not without its dangers 
and difficulties. By that I do not mean that the traditional 

291 



The Nietzsche-W agner Correspondence 

serpent made its appearance, but I am firmly convinced that 
in that soil grew the tree from which my brother was obliged 
to pluck the fruit of knowledge concerning Richard Wagner. 
On the way to Italy, he learned that the Wagners had also 
chosen Sorrento as their place of sojourn and although 
frightened by this news at first, he later welcomed the oppor- 
tunity of coming to an understanding with Wagner. 

In leaving Bayreuth, my brother had not broken away 
from Wagner himself ; in fact, he had not yet arrived at any 
definite conclusions in regard to his feelings of loyalty for 
the dearly beloved friend and his innermost convictions con- 
cerning Wagner's art works. 

This is proven by a private observation which reads: 
"Just at first one has faith in his intellectual sympathies, 
but when his better judgment begins to make itself felt, 
defiance appears and says, we will not yield our ground. 
Pride says that we possess sufficient intelligence to look 
after our own affairs. Arrogance has a comtemptuous 
regard for this evasion and thinks it arises from a low, faint- 
hearted standpoint. Lust fulness enumerates the joys of 
pleasure and doubts exceedingly if our better judgment is 
able to offer us anything more worth while. Added to this 
is our compassion for our idol and his sad fate, whereby we 
are prevented from examining his imperfections too closely. 
To a still greater degree, we are affected by our feeling of 
gratitude. But most of all, by the intimate intercourse, by 
our loyalty while breathing the same air with our idol, and 
the sharing of his happiness as well as his danger. And ah ! 
his confidence in us, his letting himself go in our company 
has the effect of frigtening away any thought of his falli- 

292 



End of the Friendship 

bility as if ft were an indiscretion, if, indeed, not direct 
treason." 

At first, both Wagner and my brother gave unmistakable 
signs of joy at being thus reunited and Fraulein von Mey- 
senburg declared later that they hurried to each other 
every day as if nothing at all had occurred. My brother 
never gave me to understand that they met so frequently, 
but it was quite natural that they should see a great deal of 
each other, as Wagner was reading the third "Thoughts out 
of Season' of which he had spoken most enthusiastically be- 
fore leaving Bayreuth. The Festival was a tabooed subject, 
the reason for this being that it had closed with an enormous 
deficit and the executive board in Bayreuth was in despair 
as to how this deficit was to be covered. (160,000 marks 
was the sum mentioned.) Letters from Bayreuth threw 
Wagner into a terrible rage and Malvida implored my 
brother to do everything in his power to prevent the conver- 
sation from turning upon the Festival, to which my brother 
readily agreed as there was no lack of other material for 
discussion. I am unable to say whether the two friends ever 
had one of those deep moments so frequent at Tribschen, 
but I do know that this meeting was marred by a painful 
incident to which my brother referred again and again in 
his private correspondence. 

It was on the last evening they were together ; my brother 
and Wagner took a walk along the coast and up the hill 
from which the famous view is to be had of the bay, the 
coves and the islands. It was a beautiful day, the air soft 
and mild and a certain melancholy in the light effects which 
betokened the approach of winter. "A farewell mood," 
Wagner called it. Suddenly, he began to talk of his "Parsi- 

293 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

fal" and to my brother's intense surprise, spoke of it not 
as an artistic conception, but as a personal religious experi- 
ence. Possibly Wagner felt that a "Stage Consecrating 
Play" conceived and written by so pronounced an atheist as 
Wagner was known to be during the Tribschen days, in fact 
all through his life — would be regarded as a glaring incon- 
sistency. 

My brother's amazement may, therefore, be imagined 
when Wagner began to speak of his religious feelings and 
experiences in a tone of the deepest repentance, and to con- 
fess a leaning towards the Christian dogmas. For example, 
he spoke of the delight he took in the celebration of the Holy 
Communion, meaning, of course, the rather austere ceremony 
of the Protestant church. Had he had in mind the pic- 
turesque ritual of the Catholic church, which always creates 
a deep impression upon sensitive artistic natures, my brother 
would have had less reason to doubt his sincerity. (Many 
years ago, I met a highly intelligent Catholic priest, with 
whom I discussed "Parsifal." "We do that sort of a thing 
much better !" he said with a sweeping gesture as if brush- 
ing "Parsifal" to one side.) My brother had the greatest 
possible respect for sincere, honest Christianity, but he con- 
sidered it quite impossible that Wagner, the avowed atheist, 
should suddenly have become a naive and pious believer. 
He could only regard Wagner's alleged sudden change of 
heart, as having been prompted by a desire to stand well 
with the Christian rulers of Germany and thus further the 
material success of the Bayreuth undertaking. My brother 
was confirmed in this belief by a remark Wagner made when 
referring to the unsatisfactory attendance at the first Fes- 
tival; almost angrily, he exclaimed: "The Germans do not 

294 



End of the Friendship 

wish to hear anything about gods and goddesses at present, 
they are only interested in something of a religious char- 
acter." 

While Wagner was speaking, the sun sank into the sea 
and a light mist came up blotting out the fair scene. This 
atmospheric change seemed to have awakened Wagner to 
the change that had taken place in my brother, and he asked : 
"Why are you so silent, my friend?" My brother evaded the 
question, but his heart was full of anguish at what he con- 
sidered the pitiable subterfuge on the part of Wagner. It 
was this that he had in mind when he wrote: 

"It is impossible for me to recognize greatness which is 
not united with candour and sincerity towards one's self. 
The moment I make a discovery of this sort, a man's achieve- 
ments count for absolutely nothing with me, as I feel that he 
is only playing a part and everything he does is based upon 
insincerity." 

Had Wagner frankly said to my brother: "In this age of 
Christianity, and heightened religious consciousness, there is 
a great temptation for the artist to put these feelings into 
musical form." Or had he said with his customary roguish- 
ness: "Now I am going to translate the feelings of the age 
into music," my brother would have had the most perfect 
understanding of his motives and been in full sympathy with 
his artistic plans. But this make-believe on Wagner's part 
and this pretense of having become a naive, pious Christian 
was more than my brother could stand. He was made inex- 
pressibly sad by the fact that Wagner, who once stood out 
for his principles against the halloo of the entire world, 
should now weakly surrender to the spirit of the age and re- 
pudiate all his theories of life. I must admit that there is a 

295 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

strong doubt in my mind as to whether the atheistic or the 
Christian-pessimistic views of redemption expressed the deep- 
est needs of Wagner's own nature. Lohengrin and Tammr 
hauser, at all events, would seen to confirm the latter theory. 

Much time had elapsed before my brother was able to 
discuss this last painful meeting with Wagner. If we ask 
ourselves what really took place on this last eventful evening, 
we find that only one explanation offers itself. Two pas- 
sionately cherished ideals stood opposed to one another ; 
on the one hand, the Catholic-romantic figure of Parsifal, 
implying negation of life — on the other, the powerful figure 
of Siegfried, god-like, transfigured, and the personification 
of life affirmed. To my brother's mind, Wagner had always 
personified the latter ideal, and hence his bitter disappoint- 
ment! . . . Malvida was only able to remember that my 
brother was noticeably sad on that evening and withdrew to 
his room earlier than was his custom. He seemed to have a 
presentiment that he and Wagner had met for the last time, 
and thus the paradise of Sorrento was to live in his memory 
as the place where he said farewell to the most beautiful 
dream of his entire life. 

He had always hoped that Wagner and he would develop 
together, in fact, along the lines of Nietzsche's own views. 
Only in Tribschen where all conditions were most auspicious 
would this have been possible, as my brother's influence is 
clearly to be felt in Wagner's essays of that period. As a 
matter of fact, Wagner, his art and his leaning towards the 
northern myths, would have fitted in very well with my 
brother's fundamental views as they gradually developed. 
But Wagner was too old to assimilate any new thoughts and 
to take sides against his own earlier views. It is my firm con- 

5296 



End of the Friendship 

viction that my brother frequently had reason to think that 
in his heart of hearts, Wagner was inclined to accept his 
new ideas and that he recognized the correctness of 
Nietzsche's critical judgment. "Wagner confessed as much 
to me more than once during our confidential conversations," 
wrote my brother, "but I only wish that he would do so 
openly, for wherein lies true greatness of character if not 
in the ability to take sides even against one's self, if truth 
demands this?" 

Many years later I said to my brother: "How I wish 
that Wagner had been twenty years younger when you made 
his acquaintance. I am convinced that you would have been 
able to have converted him to your way of thinking." "I 
also hoped and believed that at one time," answered my 
brother, "but then came 'Parsifal' and destroyed all hope, 
yea every possibility of such a thing. In the meantime, I had 
recognized the fact that my faith in Wagner was based 
upon an error ; we were too essentially different in our inner- 
most natures and this was bound to cause a separation, 
sooner or later." 

My brother remained in Sorrento the entire winter of 
1876-77 without the expected improvement in his health. 
His ill-health was not noticeable as he was very sunburned, 
looked strong and well, and in intercourse with others seemed 
cheerful and full of his customary esprit. But in reality, he 
was subject to the same ups and downs; as long as he did 
not attempt to write, had everything read aloud to him, went 
for long walks and had pleasant diversions, he felt com- 
paratively well, but as soon as his creative powers gained 
the upper hand and he plunged again into literary work, 
the excruciating pains came back with redoubled force. Un- 

297 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

fortunately no physician had the foresight and the energy 
to prescribe a year of total abstinence in the matter of read- 
ing and writing. 

"If I were totally blind, I should be strong and healthy," 
my brother said of his own condition. At the time this 
sounded like a paradox, as none of his doctors, the oculist 
included, were by any means convinced that his trouble came 
entirely from the affection of the optic nerve. It makes me 
miserably unhappy to think of all the suffering my brother 
might have been spared had it been possible to locate the 
real seat of the trouble — a matter made all the more difficult 
by his extreme sensitiveness to the slightest change in the 
barometer. 

But it would be a mistake to make his physical maladies 
responsible for all that he suffered at this time. Many things 
which robuster natures would have shaken off caused in- 
expressible torture to his extremely sensitive soul. As I 
have already said, one of the acutest causes of his mental 
distress was that of being obliged to appear other than he 
was, and during Iris entire stay in Sorrento he was endeavor- 
ing to bring his outer life into harmony with his innermost 
feelings, and thus this period served as a good preparation 
for the conditions surrounding him in later life. 

When the sirocco began to blow in Italy, my brother re- 
turned to his beloved haunts in the mountains of Switzerland 
which he greeted as jubilantly as if he were again in his 
native land. He used to say : "The air of Southern Italy is 
too enervating for me." 

We met in Lucerne and to my great joy, I found him 
looking remarkably well and full of courage for the beautiful 
plans he was making for the future. He spoke of Wagner in 

298 



End of the Friendship 

the warmest and friendliest tones, as he had now become 
reconciled to the thought that he must let Wagner go 
his own way and hoped to receive the same latitude on the 
part of Wagner in regard to his own activities. In this way, 
he would no longer be obliged to subscribe to anything an- 
tagonistic to his own feelings and judgment and in conse- 
quence of this, there would be no necessity for any deception 
or subterfuge on his part. 

"All this came very near spoiling my amiable disposition," 
he said impatiently, in speaking of his last visit to Bay- 
reuth and his repeated melancholy letters to Wagner. But 
impatience was not the predominating feeling in these 
reminiscences, for he realized full well what a degree of self- 
knowledge had been gained from these repeated efforts to 
bring his own views into harmony with those of Wagner, 
and from his endeavor to find in Wagner those qualities 
which he could admire and revere despite the discrepancies 
in their convictions. 

Through these experiences, he was afforded an oppor- 
tunity of studying at close range that most interesting of 
all subjects — a genius, which served as invaluable training 
in psychological matters. In realizing all this, he could 
look back upon this period with a feeling of genuine grati- 
tude. 

During the fortnight that we spent at the Pension Fel- 
senegg in Lucerne, my brother was in a cheerful and opti- 
mistic mood in regard to the future, and this was reflected in 
his conversation and in the observations to be found in his 
notebooks of that period. 

"I feel as if I were recovering from a long illness. I think 

299 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

of the sweetness of Mozart's Requiem with inexpressible de- 
light." 

"The 'Ode to Joy' (May 22, 1872) was one of the highest 
emotional moments of my life but it is only now that I am 
beginning to feel myself in this course — 'Frei wie seine Son- 
nene fliegen, wandelt, Brilder eure Bahn? * What a de- 
pressing and superficial festival was the one of 1876. . . . 
But later, it became the means of opening up to me a thou- 
sand springs in the desert. This period was of incalculable 
value to me as a cure for premature development." 

"Now the significance of antiquity and of Goethe's judg- 
ment have dawned upon me. Now, for the first time, I have 
gained a clear view of the realities of human life. I luckily 
possessed the antidote with which to counteract the effects 
of a deadly pessimism." 

Even though his health had not been completely restored 
by his sojourn in Sorrento, he had at least the satisfaction 
of knowing that he was on the right road to freedom and 
self-knowledge, and the result of this was a feeling of joyful 
self-confidence despite the chaotic and unstable character 
of his plans for the immediate future. Thoughts such as 
these undoubtedly occupied lus mind at this time: "Were I 
already free, this struggle would not be necessary and I 
could turn my thoughts to some work or course of action 
upon which I could expend my full measure of strength. I 
can do no more than hope that, little by little, I shall be- 
come free ; and I already feel that this is taking place. And 
so my day of real work is still to come and the preparation 
for the Olympian games may be considered as ended." 

* From Schiller's "Ode to Joy" used by Beethoven in the Finale of 
his "Ninth Symphony." 

300 



End of the Friendship 

"I will restore to mankind that repose without which no 
culture can grow and exist, as well as the simplicity, tran- 
quility, purity and greatness. And in the realm of style 
also I will give a faithful portrayal of this endeavor as the 
result of the concentrated powers of my nature." 

Upon returning to Basle, we again established ourselves in 
our apartment although my brother had already recognized 
the categorical necessity of giving up his professorship, as 
under no circumstances could he impose upon his eyes the 
strain of his classical studies, particularly that of the Greek 
lettering. There were times when his resolution weakened, 
but his longing for complete freedom always returned. This 
meant not only freedom from his professional duties, and 
all the considerations belonging thereto, but also included 
freedom from the influence of friends and foes alike. Even 
in Sorrento, he had suffered greatly at times, from being 
in the society of his highly revered friend, Fraulein von Mey- 
senburg, as his courtesy and consideration for her often led 
him to agree to plans far removed from his own inclinations. 

"I must have absolute solitude," was the burden of all of 
his future plans, and for that reason he welcomed the 
change from Sorrento to Switzerland. His feelings in re- 
gard to this are beautifully expressed in a letter to Frau 
Baumgartner : 

"There is a higher destiny for me to fulfill than that 
afforded me by my eminently respectable Basle position. I 
know it, I feel it! I am more than a mere philologian, in 
spite of the fact that I can make use of philology for my 
higher task. 'I thirst for myself* ; that has been my constant 
theme for the last ten years. Now that I have lived alone 
with myself for a year, everything has become quite clear 

301 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

and distinct to me. Notwithstanding all that I have suffered, 
I cannot tell you how inexpressibly rich I felt, and how full 
I was of the joy of creating as soon as I found myself quite 
alone. I can now say to you with conviction that I shall not 
return to Basle with the intention of remaining there. I 
do not know how things will develop, but I mean to capture 
this freedom, by force if needs be, however modest may be 
the external conditions of my life." 

My brother had a veritable mountain of aphorisms when 
he returned to Basle. These were originally intended for 
a fifth "Thoughts out of Season;" in fact, there was more 
than sufficient material for six or seven new works. As the 
condition of his eyes would not permit him to bring these 
aphorisms together into a whole, as was the case in the pre- 
vious "Thoughts out of Season," he simply strung them to- 
gether in a loose sequence but notwithstanding this, the con- 
scientious reader will instinctively feel the inner rela- 
tionship and be able to group these detached sentences. 
Above all, my brother's pure joy in the framing of aphor- 
isms must be taken into account ; his delight in not carrying 
one thought out to completion and binding it firmly to an- 
other, but rather allowing it to stand with its own beginning, 
development and end in a certain sense, and yet withal, 
contains a hint of continuation for the reader. 

The observations which my brother noted down after his 
bitter disappointment in Bayreuth went to press under the 
title of "Human, all-too-Human," and to Herr Heinrich 
Koselitz is due the credit of getting this manuscript ready 
for the printers. Koselitz had resumed his studies at the 
Basle university and dedicated all his leisure time to my 
brother, thus relieving him of the greater part of his writing. 

302 



End of the Friendship 

While my brother was thus engaged in compiling his 
"Human, all-too-Human" Wagner sent him a beautifully 
bound copy of his "Parsifal," with the following dedication: 

"To my dear friend, Friedrich Nietzsche, 

with cordial greetings and wishes 

from 

Richard Wagner 

{Ecclesiastical Councillor : 

Kindly inform Prof. Overbeck.)" 

In his "Ecce Homo," my brother relates that Wagner's 
gift of "Parsifal" crossed his own of "Human, all-too- 
Human," but his memory played him false on this point. 
He was, evidently, thinking of having sent off a part of the 
copy to the printer about that time. On the whole, he had 
a weak memory for unimportant details, which explains 
many discrepancies, but it is not surprising that everyday 
incidents should make but very little impression upon anyone 
whose brain was as continually occupied with great problems 
as was my brother's. We read the "Parsifal" with strangely 
mixed emotions. In a letter to his friend, Baron von Gers- 
dorff, dated January 4, 1878, my brother wrote " 'Parsifal' 
came into my house yesterday, sent by Wagner. Impres- 
sions after the first reading : more Liszt than Wagner, spirit 
of the counter-revolution. The whole tiling is much too 
religious for me, bound as I am to the Greek and human. 
Nothing but fantastic sort of psychology; no flesh, and 
much too much blood (namely in the Communion Scene). 
Moreover, I do not care for hysterical hussies ! Much that 
is tolerated by the inner eye, will be unendurable when trans- 

303 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

formed into action; just imagine our actors praying, 
trembling and going into paroxysms of ecstasy. Further- 
more, it will be impossible to represent effectively the interior 
of the temple of the Holy Grail and of the wounded swan. 
All these beautiful pictures belong to an epic and no attempt 
should be made to visualize them. Moreover, the language 
of the drama sounds as if it were translated from a foreign 
tongue. But the situations and their sequence — is that not 
all poesy of the highest order ? Do they not make a supreme 
challenge to music ?" The words "more Liszt than Wagner" 
need a little explanation, and this my brother gives in one of 
his notes : "Wagner's 'Parsifal' was primarily a concession 
to the Catholic instincts of his wife, the daughter of Liszt." 
Whether this assumption of my brother was correct or not, 
it is not my purpose to determine. It was based upon in- 
formation received from the intimates of the family at 
Bayreuth. But if there was any reason for doubting it, 
then we must also accept with a certain reservation the 
theory that Wagner wrote "Parsifal" in order to cater to the 
pious tastes of the Germany of that period. As a matter 
of fact, all observations of my brother's referring to 
Cosima's influence upon Wagner, date from a much later 
period. 

It is not my purpose here to publish notes and critical 
comments indicating my brother's changed thoughts and 
feelings, but I cannot refrain from quoting a passage from 
a letter addressed to Peter Gast under the date of January 
21, 1878, in which mention is made of the "Parsifal" music 
independent of the dramatic content of the work. ". . . Re- 
cently I heard the Vor spiel of 'Parsifal' for the first time (in 
Monte Carlo !). When I see you again I should like to tell 

304 



End of the Friendship 

you just what I understood by it. Quite apart from ail 
irrelevant questions, (such as what purpose this music can 
and shall serve — ) but purely from an aesthetic standpoint, 
has Wagner ever written anything better? The subtlest 
psychological explicitness and consciousness in regard to 
that which it is his intention to say, to express, to impart, 
through the medium of this music: the most concise and 
direct form of expression ; every nuance of feeling worked 
out in epigrammatic form; music as a descriptive art as 
distinct as a design in relief emblazoned on a ' shield ; and 
finally, sublime and extraordinary feelings, experiences and 
emotions of a soul submerged in music. All this does Wagner 
the greatest credit. Furthermore, a synthesis of circum- 
stances, which will seem to a great many, even 'superior 
persons* to be unreconcilable, to be of judicial severity, 
in fact to be 'superior' in the most terrifying sense of the 
word; a degree of knowledge and perception that cuts 
through the soul like a knife, and of compassion, for that 
which is here viewed and judged. Only in Dante do we find 
anything comparable to it. Did ever a painter portray a 
glance of love as melancholy as Wagner has given us in 
the closing accents of his Vorspiel?" (The concert ar- 
rangement of the Vorspiel ends with the "Faith Motive" as 
given in line 3, page 9, of the piano arrangement of the 
score. 

My brother was deeply impressed at receiving the Parsifal 
text just as he was finishing off his new book "Human, all- 
too-Hwman." Realizing what a great shock the Wagnerian 
party would receive upon reading his book, he resolved to 
publish it anonymously. A pseudonym had already been 
decided upon and a fable cowuewwe invented for the occa- 

305 



The Nietzsche-lV agner Correspondence 

sion, this deception being facilitated by the fact that this 
book was to come from the press of Schmeitzner. Wagner, 
however, was not to be left in ignorance of its authorship, 
and among my brother's papers was found a rough draft 
of a touching letter in which he endeavored to reconcile 
Wagner to the contents of the book without surrendering an 
iota of his own independence of thought. 

Fried-rich Nietzsche to Richard Wagner. 
(Rough Draft.) 

"In sending you this book, I place my secret in the hands 
of you and your noble wife with the greatest confidence and 
assume that is now your secret. I wrote this book; in it I 
have revealed my innermost views upon men and things and 
for the first time, have travelled around the entire periphery 
of my thoughts. This book was a great consolation to me 
at a period full of paroxysms and misery and it never dis- 
appointed me when all else failed to console me. I think it 
not improbable that I am still living just because I was able 
to write such a book. 

"I was obliged to resort to a pseudonym for several 
reasons ; in the first place, because I did not wish to counter- 
act the effect of my earlier works, and secondly, because 
this was my only means of preventing a public and private 
befouling of my personal dignity (something I am no longer 
able to endure on account of the state of my health) and 
finally and chiefly, because I wish to make possible a 
scientific discussion in which all of my intelligent friends 
could take part, unrestrained by any feelings of delicacy, 
as has hitherto been the case whenever I have published 

306 



End of the Friendship 

anything. No one will speak or write against my name! 

"I know of no one of them who entertains the ideas ex- 
pressed in this book and must confess to a great curiosity 
as to the counter arguments which such a book will provoke. 

"I feel very much like an officer who has stormed a breast- 
work despite his severe wounds ; he has reached the top and 
unfurled his flag, and notwithstanding the terrifying spec- 
tacle by which he is surrounded, experiences much more 
joy than sorrow. 

"Although I know of no one who shares my views, as I 
have already said, I am conceited enough to think that I 
have not thought individually but collectively. I have the 
. most curious feeling of solitude and multitude; of being a 
herald who has hastened on in advance without knowing 
whether the band of knights is following or not — in fact, 
whether they are still living." 

Unfortunately, the publisher would not agree to have 
the "Human, alL-too-Human" appear anonymously, as he 
wished to profit by the advantages to be derived from my 
brother's name and if the truth must be told, he was not 
entirely adverse to creating a little scandal. My brother, 
therefore, went through the manuscript very carefully and 
eliminated everything that Wagner might think referred to 
him and at which he might take offense. He still hoped 
that Wagner would be willing to concede him the freedom 
of his convictions and that the whole thing would pass off 
without causing a complete break in their friendship. At 
all events he wished to make it as easy as possible for Wag- 
ner and therefore placed great emphasis on the fact that 
many things in the book must be regarded in the light of a 
joke. In the effort to recommend this attitude to the be- 

307 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

loved friends, he wrote a very waggish dedication on the 
copy of the book and sent it to Bayreuth with his heart 
beating high and yet full of pleasurable anticipation. 

I have often been asked what Nietzsche must have thought 
as to the manner in which Wagner would or should take the 
"Human, all-too-Human." My brother himself has answered 
this question in two aphorisms : "Humanity of friendship 
and humanity of mastership. 'Go thou toward the morning 
and I will go toward evening.' To be able to feel thus, is 
the highest test of humanity when brought into close inter- 
course. Without this feeling, every friendship, every 
discipleship, will become a form of hypocrisy at some time 
or other." 

"Friend! — nothing binds us now. But we have taken 
pleasure in one another up to the point where one advanced 
the ideas of the other, even though these were diametrically 
opposed to his own." 

But Wagner had no intention of interpreting the book 
after this fashion. He saw therein nothing but the apostasy 
of his former disciple — more than that of the favorite 
disciple and a genius to boot, (as Wagner had undoubtedly 
said to himself again and again) and therefore this oc- 
currence had the effect of a blow and an insult. But I have 
resolved that this book shall contain nothing of all the ugly 
and hostile words written and said after this silent breach 
of friendship. No, let us rather cast one more "melancholy 
glance of love" upon those happy sun-lit paths upon which 
the two noble spirits once wandered, and thus bring this 
period to a close. 

Once when modern literature was the subject of con- 
versation, my brother (who it must be remembered had very 

808 



End of the Friendship 

little use for erotic feelings) said to one of his pupils: "Why 
is the tiresome theme of love between the sexes always taken 
as the motive of all novels?" — "but what other feeling could 
cause the same conflicts?" asked the student thoughtfully. 
— "Why, friendship, for example!" answered my brother 
vivaciously. "Friendship has quite similar conflicts, but 
upon a much higher plane. First, there is the mutual at- 
traction caused by sharing the same views of life, and then 
the happiness of belonging to one another and forming 
mutual plans for the future. Furthermore, there is the 
mutual admiration and glorification. A sudden distrust is 
awakened on one side, doubts arise as to the excellences of 
the friend and his viewpoints on the other side, and finally, 
the consciousness is borne in upon both that the parting 
of the ways has been reached, although neither one feels 
himself ready for this renunciation. Does all this not rep- 
resent unceasing conflicts, carrying with them suffering of 
the most intense character?" 

The student looked dubious and it was evident that he had 
never dreamed that friendship could be so passionate. 

Step by step we have followed this romance of friendship 
and the sympathies of the reader will have, consciously or 
unconsciously, been enlisted on the side of one or the other 
of the two friends. Naturally, my own are with the one 
who suffered most, and that one was my brother. This 
friendship unquestionably meant more to my brother than 
to Wagner. When the master met my brother he was 
already an aging man whose creative activity was nearing 
its close, and consequently, a friendship with Nietzsche was 
nothing more than an episode of his declining years, and one 
having no appreciable effect upon his future. But my 

309 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

brother's case was entirely different. When his orbit crossed 
that of Wagner, he was in the first flush of his youth and 
strength, and to this friendship he dedicated the most 
beautiful hopes and dreams of his life, as well as an enor- 
mous amount of time and intellectual strength. He placed 
Wagner upon a pedestal far transcending anything human 
and found his highest consolation in so doing; his thoughts 
had always been concentrated upon the perfection of the 
human type, and he believed to have found in Wagner the 
highest specimen of manhood. Now his idol lay in ruins at 
his feet — an idol who tyrannically wished to prohibit any 
intellectual tendency other than his own, now enfeebled by 
age and weakness. Looking back upon this painful expe- 
rience, my brother cries out in very anguish of heart: "I 
shuddered as I went on my way alone; I was ill, or rather 
more than ill. I was weary — made so by the inevitable 
disappointment in all that remains to kindle enthusiasm 
in us modern men ; weary at the thought of all the power, 
work, hope, love, youth flung to the winds ; weary with dis- 
gust at the effeminacy and undisciplined rhapsody of this 
romanticism, at the whole tissue of idealistic lies and enerva- 
tion of conscience, which here again had won a victory over 
one of the bravest souls ; and not least of all, weary of the 
bitterness and harrowing suspicion that, from now on, I 
was doomed to distrust more deeply, to despise more deeply, 
and to be more deeply alone than ever before. For I had 
never had any one but Richard Wagner !" 

Is it possible that Wagner suffered in like measure and 
only concealed his true feelings from a sense of pride? He, 
at least, could hope to replace my brother from the ranks 
of his gifted and enthusiastic disciples, whereas my brother 

310 



End of the Friendship 

was doomed to soul-solitude. Wagner's real feelings have 
never been divulged, but he gave me a glimpse of his inner- 
most thoughts when I went to Bayreuth in the summer of 
1882, to be present at the first performance of Parsifal. 
Wagner asked to see me alone, and after speaking of his 
"swan song," said softly: "Tell your brother that I am 
quite alone since he went away and left me." This was said 
six months before his death, at the period of his highest 
renown, with the entire world at his feet. Upon hearing 
this touching message of farewell, my brother wrote one 
of his loftiest aphorisms : 

"We were friends and have become as strangers. But it 
is best so and we will neither conceal this nor draw a veil 
over it as if we had any cause to be ashamed. We are like 
two ships, each of which has its own course and its own goal ; 
it may be that our paths may cross again and that we shall 
celebrate a feast-day together as we did in the past when 
the gallant ships lay in one harbor and under one sun, as 
if their common goal had already been reached. But then 
came a time when we were driven far apart by the inexorable 
power of our several missions into far distant seas and under 
strange skies, and perhaps we shall never meet again. Or 
it may be that we shall meet, and fail to recognize one an- 
other, so great will be the change that the various suns and 
seas have wrought in us ! The law governing our lives has 
decreed that we should live, henceforth, as strangers ; but 
just by reason of this, we shall become more sacred to one 
another! Just by reason of this will the memory of our 
friendship becomes more consecrated! The stars, appar- 
ently, follow some immense, invisible curve and orbit, in 
which our so widely varying courses and goals, may be 

311 



The Nietzsche-Wagner Correspondence 

comprehended as so many little stages along the way. Let 
us elevate ourselves to this thought ! Our lives are too 
short, and our powers of vision too limited, to permit us to 
be friends other than in the sense of this lofty possibility. 

"Therefore, let us have faith in our stellar friendship ; * 
even though doomed to be enemies here on earth." 

* This aphorism called "Stellar Friendship" is from "Joyful Wisdom," 
Vol. X of the Complete English Edition of Nietzsche's works. 



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